CARPENTRY AND JOINERY WORKSHOP

Machine shop

Joinery Shop

Timber Store

Process of Timber Production

Seasoning – The removal of excess moisture

Green Timber - Unseasoned timber

Timber Yard - seasoned timber

Types of Seasoning

Natural Seasoning

Artificial Seasoning/ Kiln

Characteristics of Seasoning Timber

Reduced Moisture Content: Seasoned timber has a significantly lower moisture content compared to
freshly cut or green timber. This reduction in moisture helps to prevent warping, shrinking, and
cracking of the wood.

Increased Stability: Seasoned timber tends to be more stable dimensionally, meaning it is less likely
to deform or change shape due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Improved Strength and Durability: As moisture is removed from the wood, its strength and durability
increase. Seasoned timber is less prone to decay, rot, and insect infestation compared to green
wood.

Easier to Work With: Seasoned timber is generally easier to cut, shape, and join compared to green
wood. This makes it more suitable for woodworking and construction projects.

Lighter Weight: As moisture is removed during the seasoning process, the weight of the timber
decreases, making it easier to transport and handle.

Enhanced Appearance: Seasoned timber often has a more uniform and attractive appearance
compared to green wood. The natural colour and grain of the wood may become more pronounced
after seasoning.

Properties of Timber

Source of Timber
Variety of timber

Application and age of use

Transportation of timber

Market of timber or cost

Size of timber on Market

Treatment of timber

Test done on timber and where its done

Benefits of using timber

Most type of timber used in Uganda

Challenges encountered in timber

Most used and suitable timber in Uganda

Why is in Uganda timber is not commonly used

PLYWOOD

Plywood is a versatile material commonly used in construction, furniture making, and various other
applications. It's made from thin layers of wood veneer, called plies or veneers, which are glued
together with the grain of adjacent layers rotated perpendicular to each other.

Sources of Plywood

The source of plywood primarily depends on the type of wood used in its production. Plywood can
be made from various species of trees including hardwoods like oak, maple and birch as well as
softwoods like pine, cedar and fir. The choice of wood species affects the plywood's appearance,
strength, and suitability for different applications.

In terms of production, plywood can be manufactured from both sustainable and non-sustainable
sources whereby sustainable plywood is sourced from responsibly managed forests where trees are
replanted to maintain ecological balance. Forest certification programs such as the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
help ensure that plywood comes from responsibly managed forests.
Treatment for Plywood

Glue Application: The layers of veneer in plywood are bonded together using adhesives and various
types of glues are used including phenol formaldehyde (PF), urea formaldehyde (UF) and melamine
formaldehyde (MF). These adhesives provide strong bonds and are designed to withstand different
environmental conditions.

Pressure and Heat Treatment: After applying the adhesive the layers of veneer are stacked together
and subjected to heat and pressure in a hydraulic press. This process helps activate the adhesive and
ensures proper bonding between the layers, the pressure and heat also contribute to the overall
strength and stability of the plywood.

Surface Finishing: Once the plywood panels are formed, they may undergo additional treatments for
surface finishing and sanding to smooth out imperfections and achieve a uniform surface texture.
Some plywood may also receive coatings or sealants to enhance durability, moisture resistance and
appearance

RAW MATERIALS FOR MAKING PLYWOOD

Wood Veneer: Wood veneer is the primary raw material used in plywood manufacturing and veneer
sheets are thin slices of wood obtained by peeling or slicing logs. They are typically uniform in
thickness and can vary in width and length depending on the desired dimensions of the plywood
panels. Hardwoods and softwoods are used to produce veneer providing flexibility in terms of
appearance and strength properties.

Adhesives: Adhesives are crucial for bonding the layers of veneer together to form plywood panels.
Commonly used adhesives include phenol formaldehyde (PF), urea formaldehyde (UF) and melamine
formaldehyde (MF). These adhesives provide strong, durable bonds that withstand various
environmental conditions.

Fire Retardant Chemicals: In certain applications where fire resistance is necessary, plywood may be
treated with fire-retardant chemicals. These chemicals help reduce the spread of flames and smoke
enhancing the plywood's fire resistance.

Surface Finishes: Surface finishes such as coatings or sealants may be applied to plywood panels for
enhanced durability, moisture resistance and aesthetic appeal. These finishes can include paints,
varnishes, stains, or protective coatings.

MANUFACTURERES OF PLYWOOD

Below are some of the plywood manufacturers in Uganda.

Victoria Furniture’s Ltd: This company is one of the major players in the Ugandan plywood industry.
They produce a variety of plywood products for both domestic and commercial use.

Uganda Clays Limited: While primarily known for their clay and ceramic products, Uganda Clays
Limited also manufactures plywood and related building materials.

Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (MeTL): MeTL Group, a Tanzanian conglomerate has
operations in Uganda and is involved in various industries including plywood production.
COST OF PLYWOOD

NAILS

Size Cost Test Manufacturer

Operation in workshop

Name Model Features of the machine Application of the Manufacturer

machine
Marking bench Flat and Stable Surface
Gridlines or Measurement
Guides
integrated Storage
Non-slip Surface
Height Adjustment

Circular saw Circular Blade

Adjustable Cutting Depth
Electric Motor
Blade Brake
Cutting Capacity
Dust Extraction Port
Ergonomic Design
Surface planer Infeed and Outfeed Tables
Width Capacity
Adjustable Depth of Cut
Cutting Head
Depth Adjustment
Indicator
It has Safety Features like
blade guards and
emergency stop switches.
 Helical Cutterheads
Thicknesser Thickness Scale or Gauge
Material Support Rollers
Height Adjustment
Mechanism
Powerful Motor
Sturdy Construction
Safety Features
Dimension saw Vertical Design
Large Cutting Capacity
Precision Cutting
Adjustable Cutting Depth
and Angle
Dust Collection System
Variety of Blades
User-Friendly Controls
A pillar driller Pillar or Column
Drill Head
Motor
Spindle
Drill Chuck
Depth Stop
Sturdy Base
Mounting machine Mounting Speed and
Precision
Tooling and Fixturing
Material Handling
Safety Features
Customization Options
Alignment System
Control Interface
Sander Sanding Belt or Disc
Motor
Adjustable Speed
Dust Collection System
Table or Work Surface
Tilting Feature
Tracking Adjustment
Vibration Reduction
Optional Accessories
Panel saw machine Sliding Carriage or Saw
Head
cutting Capacity
Materials Support
Mobility
Hand grinder
Spindle moulder Spindle Speed Control
Material Support
Motor
Safety Features
Tooling
 Bench grinder
Panel cutter
Radio arm saw Radial Arm
Arm Assembly
Saw Blade
Blade Guard
Depth Adjustment
Metering and Bevelling
Dust Collection System
Accessory Compatibility
Sharpening
machine
Grinder
Blower
Kiln

Available Machines

Name Cost Manufacturer Function Situation o Model

the
machine

Required machines

Name Cost Manufacturer Function Model