DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

19th June 2023

Core Content
TOPIC 1.1 - Impact Of New Technologies
Private Owned Business - Small business are more Consumers - Are often aware of
important to the economy; in 2016 they employed 15.7 new technologies
million people in the UK, which accounts for 60% of the hence increasing the demand but
entire private sector. also increases the use of scarce
Crowdfunding - It funds a project by raising money for a resources
large number of people who each contribute a small Children - New technologies can
amount of money online. offer rich opportunities for
Sustainable - These have been driven by the education and entertainment.
environmental awareness and the rising cost of fossil People With Disabilities -
fuels. Companies must balance different, and often Assistive technologies covers
competing, needs against the awareness of the small devices to pencil grip to
environmental, social and economic limitations we face larger lifting devices for people
as a society. with disabilities
Transportation Costs - The environmental costs of Wage Level - Companies may
moving products between locations can be high and need to pay more to attract staff
transport is one of the biggest energy users. Solutions High Skilled Workforce -
can include electric vehicles, less journeys and even Demand for highly skilled
making compact packaging to transport more in one workforce is increasing as
journey. technology becomes more
Pollution - Companies have an economic and complicated
environmental responsibility to keep pollution to a Social Segregation - Although
minimum. The environmental impact of pollution can be many residential areas are
monitored by emerging technologies. For Example using becoming more ethnically mixed,
software to ensure all growth is planned and some minority populations have
environmental impact is predicted. tended to live in clusters, which
WASTE GENERATED - Reducing the amount of waste can lead to social segregation.
produced and then reusing products or materials that (IoT) - Internet of Things is the
would otherwise become waste.Recycling allows for system of interrelated devices
materials to be used a number of times and not go to connected via the internet.
waste.
TOPIC 1.1 - Production Techniques and Systems
Technique Description
Same components are
Standardised components
used across many designs
Products are sent straight
Just-In-Time (JIT) to production site instead
of being stored
Reducing waste in design,
Lean Production manufacturing and
distribution of product
A set number of products Olympic medals and books
Batch Production
are manufactured
Manufacture of identical
Continuous Production high demand products
24/7
A single unique made
One-Off Production product by highly skilled
furniture/wedding dresses
workers
Consistently producing a
Mass Production high number of products
at low cost per unit
Example Advantage Disadvantages
Electronic resistors and Consistent safety and
Difficult to customise
mechanical components quality
Can increase efficiency Cost of more frequent
Car manufacturers
and reduce waste deliveries
Multi-skilled teams are
Eliminating Requires time consuming
each responsible for part
overproduction data analysis
of the production process
Reduces Downtime when
with limited print run storage/inventory space configuring the system
Removes the cost of
Production of standard Low flexibility in changing
stopping and starting the
components and glass the product
production process
Yacht and Production times are
High-quality products
longer
Materials can be cheaper Repetitive and initial set up
Toy manufacturer
in high quantities costs are high
TOPIC 1.2 - How new technologies can inform design decision
Natural Disasters - Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes etc
Companies should always be looking for ways to PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS
are increasingly attributed to human causes. Advances
reduce their carbon footprint. PLCA
in technology should help us to reduce our
environmental impact and be able to predict extreme
- Maximising energy efficiency A (LCA) life cycle analysis is the
weather patterns, evaluating the likelihood of natural
- Analysing their supply chain analysis of environmental impacts
disasters. Technology also enables better designs, such
- Recycling at every stage of a products life.
as earthquake proof offices.
Medical Advancements - Biotechnology includes - Using renewable energy
- Identifying carbon offsetting methods that will - Raw material extraction
artificial organs, implants and prosthetic limbs. Also
reduce the overall amount of emissions. - Product manufacture and
medical equipment such as MRI scanners to diagnose
assembly
illnesses, improve health overall.
- Product transportation and
Global Warming - Climate change is caused by the
distribution
emission of greenhouse gases, especially from burning
- Product consumer use
fossil fuels. Possible solutions are new energies, new low
- Products disposal or
carbon and zero carbon technologies and ensuring
recovery at the end
sustainable development.
Carbon Footprint - A Carbon Footprint is the amount of
carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result
of the activities of an individual, company, community
or country.
TOPIC 1.3 - Renewable & Non-Renewable Resources RENEWABLE
How its Source How is it converted Advantages Disadvantages
Source converted into Advanategs Disadvantages
energy
Organic matter is
combusted to produce Waste from plants and Emit fumes that add to
Heat energy Biomass heat and converted to farming can be used global warming
Coal power
and hot gases electricity
plants emit
convert water Relatively
pollution such
into steam cheap to
as carbon Made from natural Uses waste from
Coal which powers extract and
dioxide,sulfur, elements and be used plants and farming Large areas needed to
a turbine to convert Biodiesel
Mercury, in diesel-powered and does not give of cultivate crops
create And reliable
selenium and vehicles chemicals
high-voltage
even arsenic
electricity
Turbines generate
Lower energy output
electricity from No emissions and
Processed and Tidal than fossil fuels and
movement of tidal powerful
split into expensive to build
Relatively water
petroleum Oil power
cheap to
Oil products such plants are
extract and
as petrol, highly polluting Wind turbines use
convert Freely available and Wind can be
paraffin and propeller blades which
diesel Wind spin a shaft to create
can be used in remote unpredictable and
areas expensive to set up
electricity
Burning gas
can power Relatively Homes can have their
Effectiveness depends
turbines, with cheap to own electricity supply
Solar panels convert on geographical
the waste heat extract or Solar and more electricity is
Burning gases sunlight into electricity location and is
powering a convert as produced if more
Gas is highly expensive to set up.
steam turbine. ready-made sunshine
polluting
Natural gas is fuel
used in homes It is cleaner
A dam traps water that Construction may
for heating or than oil or coal
flows through tunnels Large amount of low damage the
cooking Hydroelectric and turns turbines to cost power environment and is
make electricity expensive to set up
NON-RENEWABLE
TOPIC 1.4 - Smart Materials

SMART / MODERN MATERIALS USES ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Orthodontic braces, glasses frame, Lengthen the life of a product Expensive

Shape memory alloys (SMA’s)
medical stents Reduced overall size Continuous use can cause metal fatigue

Coffee cups, infant cutlery, medical Still being researched so wider application
Temperature responsive polymers Useful in biomedical application
uses may take a while

Maybe slow to react and user cannot

Photochromic Glass Spectacles, plane cockpit windows Adapts easily to changing conditions
control reaction

Shielding mask, privacy glass, rear

Reactive Glass Retains heat so reduces energy bills Expensive and requires electricity source
view window in car

Silver is expensive and difficult to get the

Conductive Inks Circuit boards, RFID tags Easy to use and low waste
circuit right.

Large relative surface area can improve

Sunscreen, tennis rackets, car May need specialist risk assessments
Nanomaterials strength, elasticity, electrical, thermal
bumpers, motorcycle helmets relating to health and environment
conductivity

Sustainable and low maintenance

Piezoelectric material Used to create a spark in lighters Has temperature load and can wear out
needed
TOPIC 1.4 - Composite Materials

Composite Examples Benefits Disadvantages

It is mainly used for construction

Excellent compressive strength
Concrete but is in small scale used for park Can be damaged by corrosion
Will last for a long time
benches and bins

Graded for interior or exterior use

Versatile which can be used indoor
Plywood based on water resistance of the Will come apart if the layers get wet
and outdoor
glue

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is

easily formed into shapes - it is best
suited for large structural items
Lightweight with excellent strength Breathing in the fibers can cause
Carbon Fibre Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic
to weight ratio respiratory problems
(CFRP) is more expensive that glass
fibre but is also much more
stronger.

Non metallic engineering Good insulator to heat and

Reinforced Polymer components such as gears and electricity with low absorption of Can be expensive
bearings water

Vehicles or uniforms that change Can react quickly and appropriately

Robotic Material Expensive and complex
colour to match their surroundings by themselves.
TOPIC 1.4 - Technical Textiles
Material Description Examples Advantage Disadvantage

Shading Could change ecosystems

Improve or increase
Agrotextiles Thermal Insulation Durable and can be cheap by altering natural
agriculture
Netting circulation

Structures - waterproof
membrane, concrete
Expensive of hard to source
Developed to improve reinforcement
Construction Textiles Strong and light It could also degrade over
construction appearance During Construction -
time
Hoarding nets, awnings
and canopies

Retain the structure in the Woven maths for Do not rot and are cost
Geotextiles Ineffective if damaged
the ground reinforcing banks effective

Used domestically even if Cleaning wipes Hardwearing

Can be expensive and can
Domestic Textiles developed for other Furnishings Stain resistant
be difficult to clean
purposes Wadding Absorbent

Geotextiles
Environmentally Friendly Use organically grown Processed with fewer
Agrotextiles Can be expensive
Textiles fibers chemicals
Fashion

Provide protection against Clothing - heat and Can be resistant to many Expensive and not
Protective Textiles
heat radiation protection external inputs environmentally friendly

Combine function with Running shoes

Can improve athletic Expensive and not
Sport Textiles comfort for high Cycling shorts
performance environmentally friendly
performance Rugby tops
TOPIC 1.5 - Mechanical Devices Pear Cam Eccentric Cam Snail Cam
Motionless (Dwells) for A smooth and Slow rise with a spiral
Linear Motion - Movement in one direction across a straight line half of the cycle. During continuous movement cross section and then
Reciprocating Motion - Repetitive back and forth or up and down linear the second half it rises as the follower rises and a sudden fall. For
and falls. For example, falls. For example used example, used in
motion open and closes valves in steam engine. hammers or machines
Oscillating Motion - A repetitive back and forth motion along a curved in a car. that need a sudden
path drop.
Rotary Motion - Objects moving in circular motion usually a fixed axis
Reverse Motion Linkage Bell Crank Linkage
- If the input is pulled - Changes horizontal
the output will push motion to vertical
- They use a fixed and vice versa
central pivot

Crank & Slider Linkage

Parallel Motion Linkage - Convert rotary
- Direction of output motion to Roller Knife Edged Flat Follower
is the same as the reciprocating and Follower Follower Used when higher
input load bearing
vice versa Used when higher Used when
capabilities are
speed is required, accuracy is
required, such as
such as in engines required, such as
in a steam engine
Rolling motion in an embroidery
- Has reduced
reduces friction machine, as the
forces pushing it,
so it will wear cams profile is
but suffers from
better followed closely
increased friction
TOPIC 1.9 - Papers & Boards
GSM - Grams Square Meter
Flexibility - Amount a material bends when a force is applied
Printability - ability to accept a printed image onto the surface
Biodegradability - Ability to be broken down by bacteria or other
biological means
Paper & Board Can Be Made Of - Flax, Hemp, Straw, Cotton, Bamboo & Wood
Deciduous Trees - Leaves fall of these trees
Coniferous Trees - Leaves don’t fall of these trees
Matte Finish - Smooth & Dull Finish
Satin Finish - Lower reflective levels than gloss but more than matte
Gloss Finish - Shiny & Higher Quality Paper

Type Of Paper GSM Description Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Copier 80 Thin, lightweight and cheap Writing, printing & Takes colour well, Prone to jamming in
drawing readily available printers
and cheap

Cartridge 120-150 Creamy & thick heavyweight Drawing & painting Opaque so paint Costs more than
paper (can be used with doesn't go through copier paper
watercolour paints) and smooth finish

Tracing 60-90 Thin, smooth and translucent Art, Making Copies Strong & Expensive & longer
& Tracing Translucent drying time

Board Uses Advantage Disadvantage

Folding Boxboard Cereal Box, Food Packaging & Accepts Print well, inexpensive Lower strength that solid white
Carton and excellent for bending board

Corrugated Board Protective packaging for Impact resistant, cheap and Not water resistant, deform
electronic device package recyclable under pressure and ugly finish

Solid White Board Book covers, cosmetic and Strong, accepts print well and Can be expensive
medicine packaging smooth surface
TOPIC 1.14 - Challenges that influence design and making of
products
Social Impact Of The Product
- The social impact can be positive and negative. For example, if a
product has a negative impact on the user’s health then the product
can become socially unacceptable.
Society
- Societies all over the world can perceive language, actions and
product differently.
Moral Dilemma
- Products can be morally challenging to some cultural groups rather
than socially. For example, shooting games only teach children
violence and how to kill.
Moral & Ethical Implication
- Things such as out mobile phones, computers, google assistants all
listen to us all the time even when we don't need them to.
Not causing offence
- How can designers avoid their products causing offence to people of
different race, religion or gender?
Environmental Considerations
- Environmental considerations may sway decisions that are made
when designing, developing and manufacturing products and parts
including:

- Energy generation and consumption

- The sourcing and use of materials

-
TOPIC 1.16 - Different Design Strategies
User Centered Design - Design that is made specifically for one user and is designed
to meet all of their needs
Collaboration In Design - When 2 or more designers collaborate on one problem and
work together to solve it
Design Fixation - Is when a designer becomes stuck on one design and finds it very
hard to move on from that design

● Substitute - What can be changed for

something else?
● Combine - How can materials or designs be
combined?
● Adapt - What can be adapted or altered?
● Modify - Could it be changed or expanded?
● Put (to another use) - Could the design have
a different use?
● Eliminate - What parts of the design could
be deleted or removed
● Reverse - How could this product be
reorganised?
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
19th June 2023
Timber Specialism
TOPIC 7.2 - Sources Of Timber
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Hardness - is the ability of a material to withstand cutting
and scratching, timber is generally quite a soft material. It
can be easily scratched and cut with metal tools, which are
much harder than wood. Oak is quite hard for a wood.
Remember not to get confused with the classification of
hardwood and softwood trees.
Toughness - is the ability of a material to withstand being
hit. A tough material can be quite soft, and might bend or
deform. If you hit it with a hammer it may dent, but not
break.
Durability - the ability to last a long time. Timber that has
been dried out and kept dry is durable. Wood left wet can
rot quite quickly and won’t then be durable. Some timbers
have natural oils that increase the durability for outside.
Timbers can also be treated with preservatives to make it
more durable for outside.
Elasticity - The ability to stretch and return to its original
length or shape. Wood is not very elastic, not like rubber.
Although some woods are a little more elastic than others.
Yew is excellent for making bows for archery.
Tensile Strength - The amount of force it can withstand
when being pulled. The tensile strength of timbers is
generally 3-4 times the compressive strength.. Ash and
Oak have high tensile strength, more than double that of
red cedar.
Compressive Strength - The amount of force it can
withstand from a crushing force. The denser the wood, the
more likely it is to have good compressive strength.
Hickory has double the compressive strength as red cedar.
Social Footprint
Trend Forecasting - Manufacturers and retailers forecast
the trend there will be in one to two years.
Logging - Sometimes it can create jobs, although mostly in
poorer regions it is badly managed and is done in places
where indigenous people live which means they are kicked
out of their homes and they have nowhere to go.
Ecological Footprint - It is the amount of environment
necessary to produce the good. It includes the whole
product life cycle.
Sustainability - This is that there are always tree’s to be
cut down. Hardwood takes longer to grow whereas
softwood takes much less time. Hence they are planted in
advance so that there is always a tree available to be cut
down. The FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (FSC) allows
companies to use their logo if the timber used is from a
sustainably managed forest. Schemes like this help
consumers make informed decisions.
Deforestation - This is a global problem, with more trees
being cut down then they are planted. Due to trees absorb
carbon dioxide from the air, scientists think that having
fewer trees will make the greenhouse effect worse.
Habitat Destruction & Loss - When timber is cut in a
certain area that could be taking away the habitat of the
animals that live there.
Processing - When a tree is cut it need to be processed to
make usable timber.
Transportation - After a tree is cut it needs to be take
somewhere to be processed. The vehicles burn fossil fuels
adding to the carbon footprint of the timber.
Pollution - Living trees are very good as they take in
carbon dioxide and release oxygen although when wood is
burnt for firewood it releases carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere which increases the greenhouse effect.
TOPIC 7.3 - Selection Of Timber
Aesthetic Factors
Form - The overall look and structure of
the timber. Some products are designed to
be functional whereas some are designed
to look good.
Colour & Texture - Timber varies in colour
and can varies in different textures. From
light colours of pine to dark reddish brown
colours of mahogany.
Environmental Factors
Sustainability - If the timber is from
sustainable sources it does less damage to
the environment.
Genetic Engineering - This allows scientists
to make changes to the environment. They
can alter with how fast a timber is grown,
this means timber can be grown faster.
Seasoning - A freshly cut tree is 85% water
and that means it needs to be dried and
brought down to 18% for it to be used.
Drying timber is called seasoning.
Seasoned timber is less likely to warp.
Upcycling - A timber product can be used
to give a new lease of life. A designer can
use an old piece of timber to create a new
style such as rustic or shabby chic.
Availability Factors
Use Of Stock Material - If a designer uses
stock sizes then it saves time by cutting the
wood again to make it smaller and also
saves a lot of wasted timber.
Specialist Materials - Some timber
products are only used for specific tasks
for example marine plywood is waterproof
for outdoor use.
Hurricane, Storms & Disease - Trees can
be affected by naturally occurring events.
Hurricanes and severe storms can blow
over tree. It can take a long time for trees
to grow again. Disease can kill trees. If a
disease arrives in a country it can spread
through the roots of trees and kill off a
particular type of tree.
Cost Factors
Quality Of Material - Timber is a natural
material and can bend or warp hence it is
graded and sold for different purposes.
Manufacturing Process Necessary - The
manufacturing process required affect the
cost.
Treatments - Timber will burn and rot and
it can be treated with chemicals- TANALITH
Social Factors
Social Groups - Groups of people like
different things, If a designer makes
something targeting a particular social
group then the product is designed to meet
the need of those people.
Trends, Fashion & Popularity - Trends and
fashions come and go. The popularity of
the product depends on the the current
trends and fashion. If it is liked by the
consumers.
Cultural & Ethical Factors
Avoiding Offense - If product is offensive
no one will buy it
Suitability For The Market - It is important
that you know the intended market so you
can make it suitable for it.
Consumer Society - Humans now are
relatively wealthy and products are quite
cheap allowing us to buy more
Mass Production - Mass production and
manufactured boards have made products
much more cheap
Built-In-Obsolescence - This is when the
product is designed to have a short life
span and meaning consumer will need to
buy a new one
TOPIC 7.4 - Strengthening Timber
Steam Bending Kerfing
Slots can be cut along the inside face of
A steam box heats and softens the wood the timber to be bent, allowing the
fibres to make them pliable and easier to inside face to cope with the
bend compressive strength.

Steamed wood can be bent in all directions to

form complex curves and twists

Used for small, lightweight projects

Steam Box

Steam boxes take many forms but all are Laminating

made up of a vented container and a steamer
of some kind
Steam must be able to circulate around the
workpiece and excess water and steam must
be able to escape
Thin veneers or flexible plywood are
glued together to make a permanent
curved profile
A former helps apply uniform pressure FORCES ACTING ON TIMBER
to the layers of timber while the
adhesive cures

Steamed wood must be moved quickly

to a robust former to cool –
this can be hard work!
TOPIC 7.5 - Stock Forms & Sizes
Tree → Timber
Once felled, a tree trunk will be cut into standard sizes. Then rough sawn timber will be sold at this
stage it is usually the cheaper one. Then PSE or PAR timber is sold which is generally more expensive.

PSE (Planed Square Edge) - Timber that has been planed on only one side
PAR (Planed All Rounded) - This is timber that has been planned on all sides and this is generally more
expensive than PSE.

Natural Timber - Sold in various different shapes and sizes

Stock Forms - Timber is categorized into three forms Hardwood, softwood and rough sawn. Natural
timbers are available in stock forms which are roughs sawn, PSE or PAR.

A SAWMILL cuts timber into stock forms.

Mouldings - Mouldings are machined profiles made for functions and aesthetic purposes. They are
used for decorative features interior.
Dowels - Wooden rods that are round in the cross section
Manufactured Boards - These are sold either as full boards or half boards. Full boards are 1220 x 2440
mm.
TOPIC 7.6 - Scales Of Production
Scaling Up Production - The suitability of materials and processes changes with the scale of
production
One Off Production - These are one off production (bespoke) and made specifically for one
client.
Advantages
- The products made are high quality and unique
- Employs people with high skills
- Workforce is engaged as each job is different and they will take pride in their work
Disadvantages
- High labour costs, because takes a lot of skill and time
- No economies of scale
- Production takes a long time and is expensive
Batch Production - This is used when a lot of products need to be produced
Advantages
- Gives the customer and client more choice
- Materials can be bought in bulk for cheaper
Disadvantages
- Workers are less engaged as work is repetitive
- You would need a storage space to store materials until they are used
Mass Production - This technique is used for everyday products which need to be produced
quickly and continuously
Advantages
- Lower labour costs
- Large number of products are produced quickly
- Materials can be bought in bulk for cheaper
Disadvantages
- Machinery is expensive to buy
- Production lines are difficult to adapt and change
- If any part of the production line breaks it will stop the whole production process
CAD (Computer Aided Design) - Online softwares to design
products in 2D & 3D to see before you actually start
making them
Working Drawings - Weather made my CAD or hand they
are vital drawings for designers
2D CAD Software - Is used for artwork and to show
technical drawings
3D CAD Presentation Drawings - Presentation drawings
offer virtual 360 degree views and walk through tours
Minimising Waste - CAD & CAM both minimise waste
Tessellation- An arrangement of the same shape closely
fitted together
Laser Cutting - Laser cutter converts 2D CAD designs to
CNC code which moves 3d printers head across the X & Y
axis.
Quality Control - This ensures that product standards are
met.
Visual Checks - These are still used along the production
line to see weather
TOPIC 7.7 - Drilling, Cutting & Manufacturing Pilot Hole - First Hole Made
Clearance Hole - Made On Top of the pilot
Name Use Advantage Disadvantage hole
Countersink Hole - Made on top so screw
Twist Drill Bit Drilling small sized holes Readily available in Deeper holes can block can sink in and not be seen out
many sizes the flutes

Flat Bit Drilling larger sized Center spur gives an Cannot be used to make
holes accurate reading. existing holes bigger

Forstner Bit Drilling flat bottomed Small center spur can Slower than a flat bit
holes make a blind hole with a
flat base
Round Wire Nails - Usually have a large flat
head so they don't pull through thin
Hole Saw Drilling large holes Can make a large hole in Only good for quite thin
material
a sheet of manufactured material
Oval Nails - Spread the grain, so are less
board
likely to split when hammered in
Panel Pins - Small nails for small
Tool Name Use Advantage Disadvantage workpieces and for holding thin timber
together
Hand Saw Cut large pieces of Can cut long and Blade can bend
wood deep cuts
Scroll Saw - A small electric saw that
Tenon Saw Cut smaller pieces Stiffened blade Can not cut deep works quickly and is able to cut curves in
of wood makes it easier for cuts, limit to the wood
precise cuts depth of the cut Jigsaw Saw - A jigsaw is a saw which uses
a reciprocating blade to cut irregular
Coping Saw Cut shapes out of Thin blade can go Slow and blade can curves
thin wood around curves snap easily
TOPIC 7.7 - Drilling, Cutting & Manufacturing PVA - It is a thick white liquid, but
becomes clear when it dries. It makes a
strong joint in wood as long as the
Planing - A plane has a sharp blade, which must be kept sharp, protruding from a flat base plate. It is
pieces are clamped tightly together
used to remove wood from the edge of a piece of timber and is good for getting a crooked edge while the glue dries.
straight. Advantage - You can pare off thin slices of wood. Good for making a long flat edge or Contact Adhesive - Good for sticking a
surface. Disadvantage - It is a slow process and can take a long time flat piece of a different material onto
Chisel - A wood chisel is used for paring wood, that is, slicing between the grains. Advantage - wood. Spread a thin film onto both
Available in a range of width and good for general purpose woodworking. Disadvantage - Corners surfaces, wait until it is nearly dry, then
can become blunt and can need re-sharpening press the two parts firmly together. It is
Planner - A thickness planer is used for making the wood's surface smooth and for trimming boards fast but there is little or no opportunity
to a consistent thickness throughout their length. Advantage - Can create a better surface finish and to reposition the wood once glue is
is low maintenance. Disadvantage - High power consumption and it also requires a skilled person to stuck together.
operate the machine. Butt Joint - Easy and don't require a lot
Electric Hand Held Router - Portable electric power tool used in carpentry and furniture making that of equipment. Weak joint and don't look
consists of an electric motor, a base, two handle knobs, and bits (cutting tools). to nice
Wood Lathe - A wood turning lathe holds a piece of wood and spins it. The operator holds a chisel on
a rest and guides it over the spinning wood to chisel wood away. It requires careful preparation of Dowel Joint - Quick, simple and are a
material and setting up of the lathe. effective method too
Wood Files - Files have teeth on them that can be used to abrade away wood. The come in a range of
teeth sizes and shapes. Advantage - Really good at smoothing and shaping the wood edges. Lap Joint - They are quite easy to make
Disadvantages - Files with smaller teeth can be very slow and you dont need alot of equipment.
Laminating - Glue vanners together and place in a mold which is clamped together and let it sit there But they are not strong joints
and take shape when applied with pressure.
Flexible Plywood - Aeroply and Flexi Ply are two types of thin sheets of wood that are flexible and can Housing Joints - Easy to make and are
be shaped into anything else when pressure is applied. fairly strong
Vacuum Bag Method - Wood and mould is placed in the bag and bag is tightly sealed so no air
escapes. Then vacuum is turned on which sucks in all of the air already in. Which causes the wood to Mitre Joint - Look good and great for
take shape of the mould. picture frames but they are weak
because only joint at 45 degree
Butt Hinge - Used to fit doors it is hidden from sight when door is closed but it is hard to fit the hinge
Flush Hinge - Used for small cupboards, really easy to fit but leaves a gap between door and frame Mortise & Tenon - they can bear load
Butterfly Hinge - really easy to fit the hinge but it shows the whole thing on the surface very well and aesthetically look nice
T Hinge - Used for gates and sheds, good to support weight of gate or shed but sits on the surface and
can be seen Dovetail Joint - Strong and look nice.
They are really hard to make though.
TOPIC 7.8 - Wood Finishes
Finishes are applied to wood to improve performance or improve aesthetics.

Application
Timber must be sanded down
Apply methylated spirit for good adhesion
Apply the finish with a brush, roller, spray or cloth

Polyurethane Varnish - A extremely tough, hard wearing finish that is highly resistant to heat, water
and chemicals. This is used on boats and floorings. Advantages - Durable and gives a good finished
look. Disadvantages- Can make the floor look fake or plastic like and not environmentally safe

Acrylic Varnish - Milky white but it dries clear. Advantages - Durable, Hardwearing, Non-Toxic and &
Odourless. Disadvantages - Not resistant to heat Shellac - Cloudy liquid made from a resin. Advantage - Lots of layers
rubbed on to make french polish and is used on expensive furniture
Water Based Paints - Used for applying opaque colour to wood. Advantage - Hardwearing, quick Disadvantages - Can be easily damaged by water or heat
drying, easy to use and clean up. Disadvantage - None
Wood Vanners - Stuck to the edges of manufactured boards to improve
Stains - Apply color to wood while keeping grain exposed. Advantage - Aesthetic finish and available aesthetics. Advantages - It is cheap to add veneers rather than using a
in bright colours. Disadvantages - No protection against decay whole timber Disadvantage - They are prone to damage

Wax Finishes - Easy to apply and gives the wood a natural looking finish that nourishes and protects
the wood. Advantage - Some waxes are non-toxic and food safe. Disadvantage - Multiple coats are
needed for the best results and gives limited protection against heat and moisture,

Oils - Replace natural oils lost over time and revive the natural beauty of the wood. Advantage - In
raw form some oils are non-toxic and are food safe. Disadvantages - As the oil seeps into the wood it
provides less protection against scratches, heat or liquid.

Danish Oil - Mix of oils and varnish but categories as an oil. Advantage - Enhances the woods natural
beauty, water resistant, satin finish and durable and is also food safe. Disadvantage - None

Teak Oil - isn't made of teak but but used for dense hardwoods. Advantages - Suitable for indoor and
outdoor and gives protection against UV. Used of boats and garden furniture. Disadvantage - Teak is
not suitable if high sheen is required or high traffic