A mechanical drafter turns an engineer's idea into a precise set of drawings that a machinist or fabricator can build from without guessing. You will learn to read and make drawings, model parts in 3D CAD, apply GD&T and ASME Y14.5 standards, and build assemblies with bills of materials. Most employers want an associate degree or a certificate, but a strong portfolio of drawings counts for a lot. No license is legally required. Everything here can be learned with free tools and free material. Work through the three stages in order, and each skill will rest on the one before it.
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Stage 1 of 1 · about 10 weeks
Read any simple mechanical drawing and model a single part in 3D CAD with correct dimensions.
Blueprint reading and orthographic projection
A drawing is a language. Every part is shown as flat views (front, top, right side) that must agree with each other. If you cannot read these views, you cannot write them. Learn this first.
Technical math: geometry, trigonometry, unit conversion
You will calculate hole spacing, angles, bolt circles and tolerances every day. Right-triangle trig and inch/millimeter conversion cover most of it.
3D parametric part modeling (sketch, extrude, revolve, hole, fillet)
Modern drafting starts with a 3D model, and the 2D drawings come from it. Parametric means dimensions drive the shape, so a change updates everything. This is the core daily task.
Basic drawing standards: views, line types, dimensioning, title blocks
Rules like ASME Y14.5 and Y14.100 exist so any shop reads your drawing the same way. Clean dimensioning (no duplicates, no missing sizes) is what separates a drafter from a CAD hobbyist.
Then 0 more stages (about 10 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects and free resources.