2017 HSC Timber paper

D

A

D

C

A

C

B

B

B

Jigsaw.

Memorise pack: T15

• Identifies correct portable power tool 1

Answers could include

Reciprocating saw, jigsaw, router.

Recycled timber is old, well-seasoned and stable, and has an attractive rustic character. Reusing it also reduces the need to fell new trees and keeps timber out of landfill, lowering environmental impact.

Memorise pack: T14

• Provides a detailed description of benefits of using recycled timber in
 2
 furniture production
 • Outlines an advantage of using recycled timber 1

Answers could include

• Quality old seasoned timber for working
• Aesthetic look – old seasoned timber (rustic)
• Less deforestation/environmental impact
• Carbon footprint
• Stable boards
• Native timbers.
NESA 2017 HSC Industrial Technology – Timber Products and Furniture Technologies Marking Guidelines

Use low-VOC water-based finishes instead of solvent-based ones to reduce air pollution. Spray only in booths with filters that capture overspray and fumes. Never pour leftover finish or solvents down drains; take them, and used rags, brushes and newspaper, to approved chemical waste facilities. Buy and mix only the amount needed to reduce waste.

Memorise pack: T11

• Provides a clear description of the practices used to minimise the
 3
 environmental issues associated with timber finishing
• Provides a description of the practices used to minimise the environmental
 issues associated with timber finishing
OR 2
• Provides a detailed description of ONE practice used to minimise the
 environmental issues associated with timber finishing
• Provides a basic understanding of practices used to minimise the
 1
 environmental issues associated with timber finishing

NESA sample answer

• Discarded varnish, turpentine, finish to be disposed of at an approved chemical waste
 facility
• Discarded newspaper, rags, brushes to be disposed of at an approved waste facility
• Using water-based varnish eg polyurethane for a less negative impact on the environment
• Spray booths have filtering systems to catch hazardous environmental chemicals.

First, mechanical strength: the flared tails and pins interlock, so the drawer front cannot be pulled off when the drawer is opened, even if the glue fails. This makes the drawer durable through years of use. Second, appearance: visible dovetails are attractive and signal quality craftsmanship, adding value to the furniture. They can be cut by hand or with a router jig for faster production.

Memorise pack: T8

• Provides a clear description of TWO benefits of using dovetail joints in
 4
 drawer construction
• Provides a description of TWO benefits of using dovetail joints in drawer
 3
 construction
• Provides a limited description of TWO benefits of using dovetail joints in
 drawer construction
OR 2
• Provides a detailed description of ONE benefit of using dovetail joints in
 drawer construction
• Outlines a main feature of ONE benefit of using dovetail joints
OR 1
• Provides a basic understanding of dovetail joints

Answers could include

• Mechanical strength – allows for continual opening and closing of drawer without relying
 on strength of glue
• Aesthetic quality of dovetail joint
• Can be hand and/or machine produced.
NESA 2017 HSC Industrial Technology – Timber Products and Furniture Technologies Marking Guidelines

Make a former of the rocker curve from layers of MDF. Rip thin strips of timber on the table saw and keep them in order. Dry-clamp the strips to the former to check the curve. Apply glue (urea-formaldehyde or epoxy) to one side of each strip, stack them, and clamp them around the former from the centre outwards, or press them in a vacuum bag. Remove excess glue and check the curve for twist. Leave the glue to cure, then remove the clamps, clean the edges, shape the ends and finish.

Memorise pack: T6

• Provides a detailed description of the process to produce a laminated
 5
 curved component of a rocking chair
 • Provides a sound description of the process to produce a laminated curved
 3–4
 component of a rocking chair
 • Provides a limited description of the process of producing a laminated
 2
 curved component in general terms
 • Provides some relevant information in producing a laminated component 1

NESA sample answer

• Rip timber strips on table saw
• Produce a former/template of curve
• Dry clamp to check curve
• Glue one side of each strip
• Clamp strips around former/vacuum bag
• Remove excess glue
• Check curve/twist slip square etc
• Leave to dry/cure
• Remove clamps from former
• Finish curved piece.
NESA 2017 HSC Industrial Technology – Timber Products and Furniture Technologies Marking Guidelines
Section III

Training opportunities are important to a timber worker because they lead to higher skills, job security, safety and promotion.

Upskilling on new technology: introducing a CNC router means existing workers need training in CAD/CAM programming, machine operation and maintenance, through supplier training (e.g. the machine manufacturer) or short courses. This keeps experienced workers employed in higher-skilled, better-paid roles.

For example, a machinist in a cabinet factory who completes CAD/CAM and CNC programming training can move from operating a panel saw to programming the CNC nesting router. This is a higher-paid role, and it protects the worker if manual cutting jobs are automated.

Training is also legally required for WHS: induction and machine-specific competency training reduce injuries.

Training such as a project management or supervisor course also shows commitment and can lead to promotion to leading hand or production manager.

Memorise pack: S13

• Demonstrates detailed understanding of the importance of training
 opportunities for a worker in the timber industry 5
• Uses an appropriate example
• Demonstrates some understanding of the importance of training
 opportunities for a worker in the timber industry 3–4
• Uses an appropriate example
• Indicates how training impacts on a worker 1–2

NESA sample answer

If a worker engages in training opportunities this will present positive future opportunities.
Training opportunities are increasingly available for the focus industry worker. Training
opportunities may include a small onsite two-hour demonstration, a full day workshop, a
TAFE course or an online university course.
These training opportunities allow workers to accelerate themselves in a leadership and
management position, which provides them with an increased salary that would allow a
greater amount on the leisure spending.
For example: a timber industry worker may complete a project management course one night
a week for six months at a training institution. On completion of this course, this would
indicate to the employer that the worker is dedicated and committed to being promoted to
project management, which attracts a higher salary. Perhaps this qualification is an industry
requirement for being promoted to project management, the effect of this would allow the
worker to be promoted as a ‘fill in’ for this position if the need arose in the short term,
thereby the worker gains experience in this position.
For example: if a multimedia worker was given the opportunity to train in software design by
the employee, this would indicate a positive opportunity for a number of reasons. First of all
such an opportunity would allow the worker free training and possibly some work time to
study in. Secondly it would suggest that if the worker completed the training, the employer
would wish to retrain the worker adding security to their position. Training in software design
is valuable in the multimedia industry and therefore the effect would suggest higher salary as
well.
NESA 2017 HSC Industrial Technology – Timber Products and Furniture Technologies Marking Guidelines

Technical factors (mechanisation, specialisation, mass production, automation and new technology) have had a largely positive impact on the timber products and furniture industry. They have greatly increased efficiency, consistency and affordability, although they have reduced customisation and some jobs and require large investment.

Mass production makes large numbers of identical products from standardised parts. Automation uses computer-controlled machines (CNC routers, beam saws, edge banders) with little human input; mechanisation (e.g. a forklift) uses machines operated by people.

Mechanisation, such as forklifts, panel saws and powered feeders, lets one worker move and cut far more material than by hand, raising output per labour hour.

Specialisation, where workers repeat one task, increases speed but can cause boredom and repetitive strain, so many firms now multi-skill workers instead.

Impact on efficiency and cost: a CNC beam saw or nesting router can cut and drill a full sheet of particleboard in minutes, run long shifts and reproduce parts exactly. Flat-pack manufacturers such as IKEA combine mass-produced board components with knock-down fittings, so furniture is cheap to make, store and ship. Lower unit costs mean lower prices and wider access for consumers.

Impact on quality and waste: automation removes human error, so every part is identical and joints fit, improving quality control. CAM nesting software minimises offcuts, reducing material costs and environmental impact.

Impact on the workforce: automation reduces demand for unskilled machine operators and traditional hand skills, causing job losses and resistance. It also creates new skilled roles in CNC programming, CAD design and machine maintenance, and removes workers from dangerous tasks at saws, improving WHS.

Limitations: automated lines are very expensive for small businesses, and mass production suits standard products rather than one-off pieces. Small workshops survive by making bespoke solid-timber furniture.

Overall, mass production and automation have transformed the industry from craft workshops into efficient factories. Their benefits in productivity, consistency, safety and price outweigh the costs, provided businesses retrain workers and keep space for customised, high-value products.

Memorise pack: S5

• Provides a detailed analysis of the effect of the technical factors and
 detailed implications for the efficiency of production in the timber
 industry 10
 • Provides a logical and cohesive response that include industry terminology
 and specific industry examples
 • Provides an analysis of the effect of the technical factors and implications
 for the efficiency of production in the timber industry
 8–9
 • Provides a logical response that includes industry terminology and
 industry examples
 • Provides some explanation of the technical factors and the implications for
 the efficiency of production in the timber industry
 5–7
 • Provides a response that includes industry terminology and industry
 examples
 • Attempts to provide some explanation of technical factor(s) and the effect
 they have on production 3–4
 • Communicates information using industry example(s)
 • Provides some relevant information of technical factor(s) or production 1–2
This question requires the candidate to draw out and relate how components of technical
factors affect/have implications for the efficiency of production.

Answers could include

• CAM > waste minimisation > minimise effects on the environment
• Robots > WHS > healthier workforce / less sick leave
• Mass production > labour costs > 24/7 production without any overtime costs
• Mechanism (mechanical engineering) > production rate / quality control > more units per
 hour / all at required minimum standard
• Mechanisation
• Automation
• Specialisation
• New emerging technologies.
NESA 2017 HSC Industrial Technology – Timber Products and Furniture Technologies Marking Guidelines
2017 HSC Industrial Technology
Timber Products and Furniture Technologies