Posted by Drafting Equipment Warehouse on Jun 10th 2021
What Happened to Alvin Drafting Supplies?
Alvin has been one of the best-known names in drafting tools for generations. Here is what happened to the Alvin brand, what returned, and which Alvin drafting supplies are still popular today.
For decades, Alvin was one of the most recognized names in drafting, drawing, and design supplies. From architecture classrooms and engineering programs to professional studios, Alvin products were a familiar sight on drafting tables across the country.
When Alvin & Company closed in 2020, many customers wondered if their favorite drafting tools were gone for good. Fortunately, the Alvin brand returned with a renewed focus on the products that made it so well known: scales, templates, compasses, pencils, papers, mats, and other drafting essentials.
The Alvin product line is smaller than it once was, but many of the tools students and professionals remember are still available today.
A Brief History of Alvin
Alvin was founded in 1950 and became one of the best-known drafting and technical drawing brands in the United States. For many architects, engineers, designers, and students, Alvin tools were among the first professional drafting supplies they used.
The company built its reputation on practical, affordable drafting supplies including scales, triangles, templates, compasses, drafting boards, cutting mats, tracing paper, and drawing accessories.
What Changed When Alvin Returned?
When the Alvin brand returned, the focus shifted mainly to drafting and drawing supplies. Many classic hand tools and studio supplies came back, but not every old Alvin product line returned.
- Many drafting tools, scales, templates, compasses, pencils, papers, and cutting mats returned.
- All furniture and larger equipment items were discontinued.
- The current Alvin line is more focused than the older catalog.
Popular Alvin Drafting Supplies Still Available
Architect and Engineer Scales
Alvin scales remain popular with architecture, engineering, drafting, and design students. The Alvin 110P architectural scale and Alvin 111P engineering scale are still common choices for school supply lists.
Templates
Alvin templates are used for architectural symbols, circles, ellipses, furniture layouts, plumbing symbols, and general drafting work.
Compasses and Drawing Instruments
Alvin compasses and drawing instruments are still used by students, artists, designers, and drafters who need accurate circles, arcs, and layouts.
Drafting Pencils and Leads
Alvin mechanical pencils, lead holders, and drafting leads continue to be useful for technical drawing, sketching, and classroom drafting kits.
What Did Not Come Back?
The biggest change customers notice is that the older Alvin furniture items and large drafting equipment products are no longer available. If you owned an Alvin drafting table, drafting chair, or specialty board years ago, that exact item may not have returned.
For current drafting tables, portable drafting boards, and professional drafting furniture, we now recommend looking at brands such as Safco, Studio Designs, Diversified Wood, and other current manufacturers.
Alvin Then and Now
Alvin is not the same giant catalog it once was, but many of the everyday drafting tools people remember are still part of the line. In many ways, the brand has returned to what customers knew it best for: dependable drafting supplies for students and professionals.
If you are trying to replace an old Alvin product, the exact model may not always be available. But in many cases, there is still a current Alvin item or a close alternative that will do the job.
Related Drafting Resources
Shop Alvin Drafting Supplies
We continue to stock Alvin drafting tools, scales, templates, compasses, pencils, cutting mats, paper, and other drawing supplies for students and professionals.