wacom question

[AdamDillabo]

i just wanted to know if i should rest things on my wacom pad and if so how much weight can it handle?

[Blue]

I've kept books, plates, and other things on it but...i would be weary of putting more then a few pounds of pressure on it, and especially not single point pressure.

They are fairly durable though, so i wouldn't freak out about it.

[Snarfevs]

I would advise against putting anything not directly related to the task of drawing onto the tablet. You not only have to worry about keeping the resonance element safe (I imagine it's pretty sturdy though) but also the overlay sheet can damage easily. That's probably the main reason not to place stuff on the tablet - either directly scuffing the overlay, or else getting particles trapped between an object and the overlay and scratching it as they are moved around.

So - my advice

- don't place unnecessary objects on the tablet.
- be careful handling objects with sharp edges above the tablet (I had to replace my overlay when I dropped a USB key onto the tablet from a few inches and put a nice dint right into the middle)
- By extension, be sure that paper placed on the tablet doesn't have staples or anything in it.
- If your tablet surface is dusty, wipe it lightly with a shirt sleeve or something before use in case you get a particle trapped between the pen nib and the overlay.

[Blue]

I don't know if that much care is required.


I think a few things to keep off your tablet should be more like...

-Anything HOT
-Anything magnetic
-Anything heavy
-Anything wet

Other then that, you should be fine. I've had a graphire 8x6 for a few years now, dragged it to and from class daily the whole time, kept books on it, even placed my dinner on it (on a plate, of course), i think i've even accidentally spilled beer on it once or twice (thanks roomates) and the damn thing still works perfectly. I have worn a few nibs down to the nub though, but that is expected.

From my own experience, i can say they are fairly durable. However, i've never dropped mine, or banged it in anyway so with just the above hazards, it still works amazing.

Love the damn thing. :)