2016 HSC Timber paper

A

C

C

D

B

B

It identifies the face side (the face mark), the reference surface from which all other faces, edges and measurements are worked.

Memorise pack: notes 3.6

• Provides a correct answer 1

NESA sample answer

Identify the face side.

Place the dressed boards edge to edge with the growth rings alternated, and mark the biscuit positions across each joint. Using a biscuit jointer referenced from the face side, cut matching slots in both edges. Glue the slots and edges, insert the biscuits, bring the boards together and cramp with sash cramps, alternating above and below. Check for flatness and wipe off excess glue.

Memorise pack: T9

• Provides characteristics and features of making a widening joint using a
 3
 portable power tool
• Sketches in general terms how to make a widening joint using a portable
 2
 power tool
• Provides a feature of making a widening joint 1

NESA sample answer

Put the boards side by side (edge to edge) and mark the position of the biscuit. Using a biscuit
cutter, cut the slots on both the boards. Put glue in the slots and put biscuits in the slots in one
board. Put two boards together and cramp the boards using a sash cramp.

Answers could include

1. The above process could use a portable drill to drill holes for dowels then glue and cramp.
2. The same could be done using a domino machine.
3. A router could be used to cut a groove in both the boards then insert a tongue and glue the
 boards.

Both protect and enhance timber and can be brushed or sprayed. Oil-based finishes give a warm amber depth, level well and are very hard-wearing with fewer coats, but they dry slowly, smell strongly, are flammable and yellow with age. Water-based finishes dry quickly so they can be recoated sooner, stay clear, have low odour and clean up with water. However, they need more coats and lack the rich glow of oil.

Memorise pack: T11

• Demonstrates an understanding of the similarities and/or differences in
 3
 uses of oil-based and water-based finishes on timber
• Demonstrates limited understanding of the similarities and/or differences
 2
 between oil-based and water-based finishes
• Gives a use of an oil-based or water-based finish 1

NESA sample answer

Oil-based finish
• Looks better, lasts longer, costs less, leaves an amber glow and requires fewer coats
• Good ‘levelling’ (brush strokes fill themselves in to create a smooth finish)
• Hard, durable finish, oil-based poly wears better than ANY water-borne finish; oil-based
 finishes have a more natural appearance in comparison, gives the wood more depth and
 more colour.
Disadvantages – requires a five-hour wait between coats. Strong odour, flammable, yellows
over time.
Water-based finish
• Clear finish, low odour, can be recoated after two hours, clean tools with water.
Disadvantages – they won’t give that rich glow that oil-based finishes impart, need to apply
four coats for water-based compared to two or three for oil-based. Water-based may need a
recoat every two years.

Grind the bevel on a bench grinder at about 25° to remove the damage, dipping the chisel in water often so it does not overheat and lose its temper. Then hone a secondary bevel at about 30° on an oilstone or waterstone using the correct lubricant. Finally, remove the burr from the back on the stone or a leather strop.

Memorise pack: T15

• Provides characteristics and features of sharpening the blade of the chisel 3
• Provides features of how the blade can be sharpened 2
• Provides a feature of sharpening the blade 1

NESA sample answer

Grind the chisel using a bench grinder. Grinding angle is 20–25 degrees. The chisel has to be
dipped in cold water often to prevent heating.
Use an oilstone to sharpen. Sharpening angle 25–30 degrees. Use petroleum based oils for
sharpening on oilstones. Water stones use water as lubricant. Remove burr on a piece of wood
or leather strap.

Manufactured boards are available in large sheets, such as 2400 × 1200 mm, so the top can be made in one piece without widening joints, saving time and avoiding joints opening. They are dimensionally stable because cross-laminated veneers or randomly arranged particles prevent shrinking, swelling, cupping and warping, so the top stays flat. They have uniform strength with no knots or splits, and plywood does not split when fixed near its edges. A veneer of figured timber gives the look of an expensive species economically. They are usually cheaper than solid timber, and they make use of residues and small plantation logs.

Memorise pack: T5

• Provides advantages of why manufactured boards are used 5
• Provides limited advantages of using manufactured boards 3–4
• Provides a basic understanding of manufactured boards 1–2

Answers could include

• High uniform strength
• Freedom from shrinking, swelling and warping
• Non-splitting qualities; solid wood splits fairly readily along the grain. Plywood by virtue
 of the cross laminations can be nailed or screwed near the edges without damage from
 splitting.
• Availability of relatively large sizes
• Economical and effective utilisation of figured wood
• Dense woods can be sliced and bonded into plywood panels for use in furniture
 construction
• Usually cheaper than solid timber.
Section III

The purpose of risk assessment is to identify hazards, assess how likely and how severe the harm could be, and decide on controls to eliminate or minimise the risk before work starts. It follows four steps: identify the hazard, assess the risk (likelihood × consequence), control it using the hierarchy of control, and review the controls. For example, before a cabinet maker uses a spindle moulder, a risk assessment identifies hazards such as contact with cutters, kickback, noise and dust. It rates the risk as high and sets controls: guards and power-feed, dust extraction, hearing and eye protection, and only trained, authorised operators. This protects workers, meets the employer's legal duty under the WHS Act, and reduces injuries, sick leave and costs, making the business more efficient.

Memorise pack: S3

• Provides a good understanding of the main features of the purpose of risk
 assessment in the timber products and furniture industry 5
• Provides a relevant industry example
• Provides an understanding of the main features of the purpose of risk
 assessment in the timber products and furniture industry 4
• Provides a relevant industry example
• Sketches in general terms the purpose of risk assessment in the timber
 products and furniture industry 3
• Provides an industry example
• Provides a feature of the purpose of risk assessment in the timber products
 and furniture industry 2
• May provide an example
• Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

The purpose of risk assessment within the timber industry is to identify, eliminate, remove or
minimise hazards for workers in the industry.
For example, prior to using a power tool a worker will have completed or accessed a risk
assessment for the power tool. This will contain information about the correct use, what PPE
is required and level of hazards identified in using the equipment. The worker will have had
the safe use of the tool demonstrated, have demonstrated theoretical knowledge in its safe use,
and demonstrated safe use in using the tool.
This process clearly demonstrates all hazards and risks associated with using the tool to be
made safer by minimising them.

Answers could include

A risk assessment involves measuring the degree of harm that could be inflicted on someone
who is exposed to a hazard.
WorkCover (NSW) — action plan for risk assessment:
1 Work out how severe the harm could be
2 Work out how hazards may cause harm
3 Work out likelihood of harm occurring.
The purpose of risk assessment is to determine the harm that could happen to a worker in the
timber industry. Completing a risk assessment indicates that risks have been identified,
including the severity and likelihood of the harm to a worker.
Once a risk assessment is done, various hazard controls can be adopted.
A risk assessment allows workers in the timber industry to work safely due to the identity,
measurement of severity of harm, and control of hazards. This not only means fewer injuries,
but also fewer days sick leave which means a more efficient industry in both costing and time.

Historical developments in manufacturing processes, materials and work practices have moved the timber and furniture industry from hand craft to automated mass production. This has made furniture more affordable, consistent and safe, although it has reduced traditional skills and some jobs.

Before the Industrial Revolution, furniture was made by hand by skilled craftsmen using hand saws, planes and chisels. Production was slow and expensive, and quality depended on the individual maker. The Industrial Revolution brought steam-powered sawmills and machinery, such as the circular saw and powered planers, which greatly increased output.

In 1859 Michael Thonet's steam-bent beech No. 14 chair was made from a few standard parts by semi-skilled workers and shipped in parts. This early mass production and flat-pack thinking made furniture affordable.

In the 20th century, electric motors made individual machines and portable power tools (routers, drills, biscuit jointers) common. This improved precision, reduced physical labour and allowed small workshops to mechanise.

Manufactured boards were a major materials development: plywood, then particleboard and MDF from the mid-20th century. They used waste and small logs, came in large stable sheets and suited fast assembly with knock-down fittings, which led to flat-pack firms such as IKEA.

In the late 20th century, CNC machining and CAD/CAM allowed highly precise, repeatable and complex cuts and custom sizing at factory speed. Today CNC nesting routers, automatic edge banders and engineered timbers such as glulam and CLT (used in International House Sydney, 2017) continue this change. Work practices changed with the technology: specialised production-line jobs replaced the all-round craftsman, and later multi-skilling, WHS law and training in CNC programming emerged.

Negative effects include loss of hand skills and jobs, environmental pressure from mass consumption, and lower-quality disposable furniture. Overall, historical developments have shaped the industry positively, greatly improving productivity, precision, safety and affordability.

Memorise pack: S6

• Provides a detailed explanation of the influence of particular historical
 developments on the timber products and furniture industry
 10
• Provides a logical and cohesive response that includes industry
 terminology and specific industry examples
• Provides an effective explanation of the influence of particular historical
 developments on the timber products and furniture industry
 8–9
• Provides a logical response that includes industry terminology and
 industry examples
• Provides some explanation of the influence of particular historical
 developments on the timber products and furniture industry
• Provides a response that includes industry terminology and industry
 examples
OR 5–7
• Provides a detailed explanation of the influence of ONE particular
 historical development on the timber products and furniture industry
• Provides a response that includes industry terminology and an industry
 example
• Attempts to provide explanation of the influence of particular historical
 developments on the timber products and furniture industry 3–4
• Communicates information using industry example(s)
• Provides some relevant information relating to historical development(s) 1–2

Answers could include

The timber industry started with mostly hand tools and some basic machines like a table saw
and thicknesser.
The introduction of new machines and portable power tools, like a domino machine or biscuit
jointer, have revolutionised the timber industry. Furniture can now be mass produced easily
and quickly.
Recently the introduction of the CNC lathe and the CNC milling machine have enabled the
timber industry to produce quality furniture quickly and with a smaller workforce.
As a result of these power tools the timber industry has been able to mass produce furniture
and make huge profits. At the same time people have lost jobs due to the introduction of these
machines.
The introduction of new materials has positively influenced the furniture industry. The quality
of products has improved greatly. More people are now buying products made with these new
materials, which means more profit for timber companies.
New timber finishes have also positively influenced the furniture industry. Products have
better finishes so more people are buying them. This means more profits, new machines,
technologies, materials and finishes have produced better quality products, thus delivering
huge profits. At the same time people have lost jobs.
2016 HSC Industrial Technology
Timber Products and Furniture Technologies