A friend recently gifted me with a beautiful 2×3 foot antique Hamilton drafting table!
It probably dates back to the 1960’s, maybe 1950’s, and is made by the Hamilton furniture company, which was founded in 1888 to make wooden type blocks. Around 1917 they diversified into medical furniture and drafting tables, and are still in business today. To say that this is generally a high-quality piece of technical furniture would be an understatement.
Refurbishing the table:
The top had come unglued and had fallen apart, so I replaced it with a birch panel, which I treated with wood hardener and 3 coats of polyurethane.
Then I took the whole table apart and sanded each piece, radiusing the corners for a smoother feel, and gave them each 2 or 3 coats of poly as well.
The top swivel was missing some original parts, but somebody had done a good job repairing it with hardware store bits. I designed new parts in CAD and printed them on my 3D printer.
The axle bolt has two nuts on it so it can be zero tension while holding the top steadily at the center. The close fit and full-length geometry make for smooth operation.
The original cast-iron and steel tilt adjusters were present so I cleaned them and reassembled with a bit of Teflon grease on the pivots. I’d already replaced the top and swivel with non-original parts, so this is more of a working refurbishment than a restoration. (Polyurethane finish would have been rare at the time for instance.
If you look closely you can see two Masonite alignment panels I’ve added on the back side to stabilize vertical motion.
To say that I am thrilled with this table would also be an understatement. I’ve been shopping for a drafting table to use when I draw comics for at least a year. Every one I’ve looked at is depressingly cheap – particle board, Formica, bent steel frame instead of wood, etc.
Then along comes this beauty at just the right time. I’ve been drawing on a board or clipboard, balancing on the corner of a table, and even overstressing my hands an eyesight. Now to spend the weekend rearranging my office. This is going to be a MUCH more comfortable drawing experience! Many thanks to my friends Scott and Deb, who gave me this wonderful gift.
georgewiman 