How to Save Money When Buying drawing table desk

19 May.,2025

 

Purchasing an Animation Desk or Lightbox



POST UPDATED 08/19/19 -



One of the basic items you need to animate is an animation desk or a lightbox.

There are many different configurations of desks , some of which I have shown in the web album Animation Desks gallery in the sidebar links. You can peruse that album for ideas on how you might set up your own workspace.

There is also a PDF booklet that I have prepared called "Animation Student's Guide to Animation Desks" which may be downloaded by clicking on the link.

While it is possible to purchase or build a large professional studio-style desk such as this example of a Disney Studio desk ---



most of use don't have the space or the funds to purchase such a large desk for our home studio. (these desks are wonderful, but take up a lot of space and are very heavy to move).

A good , portable animation desk is the one made by Colin Johnson of Vancouver, BC , available through his web site AnimationDesks.com

This desk is very good value for the money as he includes the white plexiglass animation disc , and a  backlight unit along with the desk itself. 

Animator Frans Vischer animating on one of the Colin Johnson desks. This photo is from Duncan Studios in Pasadena, CA where Frans was animating on the film Mary Poppins Returns () 
There are similar portable table-top animation desks available from Lightfoot Animation , and ChromaColour U.K.



















 https://www.chromacolour.co.uk/animationsupplies/lightboxes-disks/wooden-portable-lightbox-12ft-disc-pegbar.html

The ChromaColour portable animation desk is a little more lightweight and folds down flatter for storage,  if that matters to you .  Depending on where you live in the world the shipping from the U.K. may make this more expensive than the Colin Johnson Desk.

The Lightfoot portable lightboxes are much more expensive , but they do have a smaller "footprint" (only 24" x 24" compared to 36" x 24" on the Colin Johnson table and  30" x 24" for the ChromaColour table) , so if space is an issue you might want to consider one of the compact Lightfoot Easel Design Animation lightboxes :



 http://www.lightfootltd.com/content/new-led-easel-design-pro


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A more compact , less expensive option would be to use a simple lightbox with a fixed animation pegbar (no rotating disc).

Lightfoot Animation sells the Artograph LightTracer II 12 Field lightbox (12" x 18") with an Acme peg bar pre-installed for about $119.00



Some online art dealers such as Dick Blick Art have these Artograph LightTracer II lightboxes for less , so keep your eyes open . Dick Blick currently sells the 12" x 18" model for about $80.00 (compared to list price of $129.00) . Add a thin tape-down Acme peg bar from Amazon.com for $7.00  and you'll have a functional animation lightbox. 



Or you can use one of these thin LED Lightpads with a Stand -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013SHKTXO/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B013SHKTXO


A peg bar: https://www.amazon.com/MyLifeUNIT-Stainless-Fixing-Animation-Positioning/dp/B01M5BCBNM/



Get a stand for the lightpad to adjust it to a comfortable angle for drawing:
https://www.amazon.com/Ventilated-Adjustable-IMAGE-Multifunction-Prevented/dp/B07DJ6ZSGH/



These sort of set ups with a simple lightbox or the lightpad on a stand will work, but the disadvantage is it doesn't fully rotate , so you can't turn your drawing to the most comfortable angle to draw from like you can with an animation disc.  The disc mounted in a portable lightbox or in a drafting table is better.

(Colin Johnson sells this white plexiglass disc with peg bar for $85.00 + $18.00 shipping.
Lightfoot Animation sells a similar disc for $129.00 + shipping. )


Traditional Drafting Table adapted to Animation Table:

A step-up from a portable table-top animation desk would be to have a hole cut into a standard wooden drafting table so you can mount an animation disc on it , with a backlight unit mounted underneath. What you would give up in terms of portability and compactness you would gain in flexibility and comfort. A drafting table can be adjusted in both height and the angle of the tabletop for the maximum in drawing comfort. You can adjust the table to whatever angle is best for you. If you have the space this is really the best option for a traditional animation set up.

The Alvin Pavilion wooden drafting table ,  offered in a range of sizes from 24x36 to 31x42  ,  is a good basic drawing table.  These tables are available from DraftingSteals.com or other art suppliers.



If you have the proper tools to make a precision cut 16 1/2" hole in the table top then you could cut the hole yourself , or hire a local woodworker who has the proper tools to make the cut for you .
You may have a friend or family member who has the proper tools to do this. Be very careful when cutting the hole.  The hole must be perfectly round with smooth sanded edges so the disc will turn smoothly.



























Besides being able to fine-tune the height and angle of the drafting table it also gives you more space to pin up notes, model sheets, and X-sheets , especially if you use an extension panel as shown below. (the extension panel may also be used on the Colin Johnson desk to add space to clip on an X-sheet to the right or left side of the table.)

(click any image to view it larger)


(notice most of the artists have a corkboard on the
wall in front of their desks to pin up model sheets and
other notes)






If you have the extra space an over-size table top gives even more space to pin up your model sheets and other notes as shown below:



You will also find it useful to surround your drawing space with a folding table, shelves ("scene stackers") and/ or some sort of side-table unit to have a place to stack your drawings , blank paper, pencils, and other supplies, to keep them organized and close at hand.

Notice the tall scene-stacker to the right of this animator's work space. The drawings from various scenes can be kept organized in a shelving unit such as the one shown below:



This Winsor-Newton artist's tabouret shown below makes a good compact side-table unit for an animation desk. Paper can be stored in the lower shelves, while the interior drawers can be used to store pencils, erasers, peg hole reinforcements , and other supplies.



Here is another view of a typical animation scene stacker unit filled with animation drawings bound between chipboard panels and rubber-banded around the outside to protect the drawings and keep everything neatly organized. Below is a shorter scene stacker unit:



Anyone looking for ready-made Scene Stackers (for 12 field animation paper) take a look at these cube stackers available from various stores such as Target or Ikea -
There are other similar stacking shelf units available from different office supply and home decor stores.

The one linked to above is 15" x 15" , which is big enough for 12 field paper (12.5" x 10.5") , not quite big enough for 16 field paper (16.5" x 13.5" ) . Most people use 12 field paper so that's no big deal.  But if you wanted to use 16 field you'll need to find slightly wider shelves.

These type of shelf units (also from Target) are wider and you could add multiple shelves to it:



Scene stackers might not be the most glamorous item on your equipment list , but you'll be surprised how handy these shelves are for storing and keeping track of your animation drawings.

Best Drafting Table - Reviews

Drafting tables are a really awesome thing for people who work with sketches and designs. However, if you’ve never purchased a drafting table before, we can see how it can be a little confusing knowing what to look for in such a product. Finding the best drafting table isn’t easy, but we are confident that our tips and product suggestions will put you on the right path.

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Quick Comparisons of the 5 Best Drafting Tables

Uses of a Drafting Table

In a world where everyone has switched to digital, we can’t help but wonder if there are people out there who still need a drafting table? With CAD software becoming mandatory and digital tablets that allow you to hand draw digital sketches, it almost seems futile to purchase just a product. So, what are some of the uses for them and who could still draw benefits from it?

  • Since one of the main uses is technical drawings, all engineers, architects, or students of both these professions may discover that it provides them with space and mobility they need to work on their sketches and drawings.
  • They may also be an excellent choice for people who like to paint, making them suitable for artists. Since they are good for sketches and drawings, it makes sense for artists to consider them a worthy purchase.
  • Another category of professionals that could use one are filmmakers. This will help them work on their storyboards.
  • Cartographers can use them to work on large maps, but the fact that the tabletop angle can be adjusted also helps them a lot.
  • Fashion pattern drafting is something that could use a surface like this as well.

Choosing the Right Drafting Table

As with most other products out there, the number of products like this that you can now find on the market could make the shopping process a bit overwhelming. At that point, you will have to prioritize what you need from a product like this and start paying attention to the following aspects:

Size

When it comes to drafting tables, size matters. There is such a thing as having one that’s either too big or too small for you. If you don’t have enough storage space at home or in the office, having a large surface will get in the way (or you might not have enough space to put it in the first place).

If it is too small, you won’t have enough space to lay out all your designs, sketches, blueprints, etc. and you might end up accidentally knocking things over or having stuff get in the way while you’re working. That means that the table should definitely be large enough for your needs. If you have limited space for a table, measuring the available space will help a lot in deciding on the right size.

Price

To some people, price might not be an issue, but products like this range from really affordable to ridiculously expensive, which is why you need to establish a spending limit if you don’t have that much money to spend. Before you establish a budget, you will need to consider the size and type of drafting table you want and set a realistic budget accordingly.

Larger tables are often more expensive, and we don’t think that’s something you should compromise. Buying a working surface that’s too small just to save money might cause a lot of frustration, so keep that in mind.

Adjustments

The adjustability of them is another aspect that’s important to a lot of different shoppers. One of the reasons why having a special surface is important for artists, engineers, architects, and the likes, is because working with large sketches and blueprints will require adjusting the working angle ever so often. With an adjustable work surface, you can establish the vantage point and height that are most suitable for you.

Design

The design is also something that you need to take into account because different types of drafting tables have different specifications. Pedestal style models have a broad tiltable range and are easily operated by something like a lever or a switch. Four-post designs provide more stability and generally have decent storage space. Fold-away options are more portable and easier to store when they’re not being used (good for people with limited space).

Top 5 Drafting Table Reviews

Time to look over our best of the best pile and look at some of the coolest, best-looking, highest-quality, and affordable drafting tables available today on the market.

1. Studio Designs Vision Craft Station

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The Studio Designs drafting table is a really solid product from a lot of points of view. It has a beautiful design that features a tempered blue glass top which can be tilted at a 70 degrees angle so that you can adjust the vantage point and work on your designs without having to constantly worry about turning your papers around.

The “skeleton” of it is made from coated steel, constructed to provide a lot of durability. The two steel legs of the table are equipped with two casters each, making the table mobile and easy to get into position. You can move the table around the room as you see fit.

As far as storage is concerned, you take advantage of the three plastic molded drawers that will help store your pens, erasers, pencils, brushes, or whatever other small tools and drawing equipment you may need every time you sit at the table to work on your projects. Sadly, the height of the table isn’t adjustable, which means that you’ll have to purchase a drafting chair with an adjustable height to compensate.

Who Should Buy It?

The Studio Designs model is the best drafting table for artists with storage, but also for those who want a good-looking glass table with a solid steel backbone. It’s a good purchasing choice for those who either own or plan to buy an adjustable drafting chair since the height of the table is fixed.

Pros:

  • Beautiful design.
  • 3 storage drawers.
  • 70 degrees tilting angle.
  • 4 side strays for supplies.
  • Equipped with casters.

Cons:

  • Height is not adjustable.

2. Studio Design Black Glass Futura Height Adjustable Drafting Table

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The very next item on our list is this amazing architectural drafting table from Studio Design. It brings forth useful features that are great for architects or architecture students. It is made from a combination of glass and metal, looking as fine and as professional as it feels using it. It has a timeless design that fits into every modern home or office, and the black overall finish is just astonishing.

As far as the other specifications are concerned, this model table shares a lot of the benefits that the previous model also provides. It comes with four removable drawers that are placed on the side of the table, so they can be out of the way, but easy to reach whenever needed. It has three plastic storage drawers underneath the table, on the side, perfect for concealing your small tools and items needed for your work.

There is a bracket on the underside that allows you to adjust the angle. You can adjust the angle of the table to a maximum of 35 degrees, which isn’t the most generous option, but it does work for a lot of people.

Who Should Buy It?

The Studio Design work surface is a great option for people who are either studying architecture or practicing it, but it can also serve other professionals who need an adjustable and tiltable table for their work.

Pros:

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  • 3 storage drawers.
  • Tiltable tabletop.
  • Angle lock.
  • Side drawers.
  • Modern design.

Cons:

  • Tricky to assemble.

3. Fiberesin Dowel Drafting Table

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The Fiberesin Dowel drafting table is a more expensive product, but once you see it, you’ll begin to understand why. It is designed to be a solid wood desk with a tilting top surface, which makes a lot more versatile not because of that aspect in particular, but also because it provides a ton of storage space.

When the adjustable top is lowered, it can basically be used just like any normal desk. You can place a computer on top of it, get some writing done, or even put a sewing table on it and start working on your stitches. Because of its construction, this table doesn’t offer you the possibility to adjust the height, which means that a chair with adjustable height might be a good purchase.

The desk is equipped with no less than six very generous drawers, which offer a ton of space for storing everything from papers to rulers. The drafting table has a weight capacity of 500 pounds and all the drawers are equipped with a safety stop.

Who Should Buy It?

The Fiberesin drafting table is for big spenders who are looking for something more along the lines of a desk with a tiltable top, and for those who need plenty of storage space.

Pros:

  • High-quality construction.
  • Beautiful design.
  • Doubles as a desk.
  • Plenty of storage space.
  • Drawers can be locked.

Cons:

  • Expensive.

4. Studio Design Solid Wood Drafting Table

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Students that are in need of a drafting table will probably need a more basic model, one that doesn’t occupy a lot of space and is a budget-friendly alternative to desks that can cost more than $500. That’s where the Studio Design desk steps in: to give you the right working space without the extras and without making you spend too much money to get it.

It’s made from solid wood and metal hardware that allows you to tilt the top side of the table at your convenience. The angle range is a maximum of 90°, which is already more generous compared to what other tables in a similar price range can offer. It has a total weight capacity of 25 pounds, which is pretty solid considering the price and the minimalistic design.

The bottom side of the table top comes with a pencil ledge that will prevent your sketches from sliding off the surface, but it also serves as a support for your writing tool. There are also multiple sizes to choose from.

Who Should Buy It?

Students probably don’t need the fanciest drafting tables, but they are rather oriented towards something that’s budget-friendly and gets the job done. If that’s something you would like in a product like this as well, this one is the right product for you.

Pros:

  • Great for students.
  • Good price.
  • Minimalistic design.
  • Quality wooden construction.
  • 90° rotation angle.

Cons:

  • No storage space.
  • No adjustable height.

5. SUPER DEAL Drafting Desk Drawing Table Desk

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From the first second you lay your eyes on the Super Deal drafting table, you are going to fall in love with the design and the fact that it has so much to offer. From the beautiful combination of light wood and black metal to the multiple storage options available, this is a gem from multiple points of view.

Constructed with an iron frame, the table is capable of supporting your weight when you lean on top of it to work. The wood grain melamine on top has a light shade that creates a perfect contrast and makes the table a real pleasure to have in the room.

But what I really want to talk about is the well-thought-of storage space and clever compartments that this drafting table is equipped with. There is one large slide-out drawer right underneath the desk which can hold a bunch of different tools and papers that you might need. There are also a lot of side compartments that can be used for writing tools, erasers, brushes, or whatever else you need to have at hand when you work.

Who Should Buy It?

The Super Deal drafting table is the perfect all-in-one kit that’s a perfect choice for people who work with a lot of writing/drawing/sketching tools, but also makes a worthy purchase for those who want a stool included in the package.

Pros:

  • Included stool.
  • Generous storage space.
  • Clever compartments.
  • Beautiful construction.
  • Adjustable height.

Cons:

  • No back support on the stool.

Bottom Line

As you can see, the market is no stranger to drafting tables, so finding one that matches your expectations is entirely possible, although it may require a little bit of digging on your behalf. It’s really important for you to prioritize when you need such a product before actually buying one.

Is having an adjustable height important to you? Do you need all the extra storage space you can get? Do you want a large or a small one? Will you have to move it constantly from one corner of the room to another? Answering questions like these should be the first step in making a purchasing decision.

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