2024 HSC Timber paper

B

D

B

A

D

C

B

C

C

A

Epoxy resin (it can be tinted and used to fill voids as a decorative feature).

Memorise pack: T5/notes 3.4

• Identifies an appropriate adhesive 1

NESA sample answer

Epoxy resin

Prepare an accurate cutting list and draw an economical layout of all parts on the boards or sheets before cutting, so parts are nested together and offcuts are kept for small components. This reduces the number of boards or sheets bought and the waste sent to landfill.

Memorise pack: T14

• Outlines ONE strategy that ensures efficient resource utilisation and
 2
 minimises wastage
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

Before cutting or ordering materials, meticulously measure and plan the dimensions and cuts
needed for each piece of timber stock. Develop thorough and accurate project plans.

A mitre saw cuts across a board at an angle by pivoting horizontally, such as a 45° mitre for a picture frame. A compound mitre saw can also tilt the blade (bevel) while it is pivoted, so it cuts a mitre and a bevel in one cut. This is used for compound angles such as crown mouldings, splayed legs or angled frames.

Memorise pack: T15

• Describes the difference between a mitre saw and a compound mitre
 3
 saw in their function and use
 • Demonstrates some understanding of the difference between a mitre
 2
 saw and a compound mitre saw in their function and/or use
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

A standard mitre saw cuts wood at various angles, typically in straight, cross, or bevel cuts.
In contrast, a compound mitre saw performs these cuts and allows bevel cuts with additional
adjustable blade angles, enhancing its versatility for angled and compound cuts in
woodworking projects.

Variable speed is a crucial feature. Large-diameter bits, such as panel-raising or large round-over bits, have a much higher rim speed, so they must run at lower rpm to cut safely without burning the timber or overheating the bit. Small bits need high speed to give a clean cut. A router with variable speed can therefore be matched to each bit and timber, giving a better-quality edge and safer operation across a wider range of projects.

Memorise pack: T15

• Provides a thorough explanation of ONE crucial feature woodworkers
 4
 should consider when selecting a router for their woodworking projects
 • Provides some explanation of ONE crucial feature woodworkers should
 3
 consider when selecting a router for their woodworking projects
 • Recognises some aspects and terms of ONE feature woodworkers
 2
 should consider when selecting a router for their woodworking projects
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

The router’s compatibility with a variety of router shank types, enables versatility in executing
diverse cutting, shaping and detailing tasks within woodworking projects. Whether you are
cutting, shaping or adding details to a project, a router that can work with a variety of bits
gives you more options to get the job done just the way you want it. Each bit serves a
different purpose, but it must be compatible with the router.

Answers could include

• The router’s ergonomics and handling. Choosing a router with comfortable grips, proper
 weight distribution, and easy accessibility to controls enhances user comfort, reducing
 fatigue during extended woodworking sessions and improving overall precision in handling
 the tool.
• Variable speed control. It allows adjustments to the router’s rpm (revolutions per minute),
 which is crucial for different bit sizes and materials, ensuring precision, safety, and optimal
 performance in various woodworking tasks.

First, recycled timber often contains hidden nails, screws and bolts. If a saw, planer or thicknesser blade strikes metal, the blade can chip or shatter and throw fragments, or the timber can kick back, causing eye, face and hand injuries. The timber must therefore be inspected, scanned with a metal detector and de-nailed before machining, and eye and face protection worn. Second, old timber may be coated in lead-based paint or treated with CCA (copper chrome arsenate) preservative. Sanding or machining it releases toxic dust that can be inhaled. Its history should be checked and paint tested for lead; CCA-treated timber should not be machined or burnt, and dust extraction and a P2 respirator should be used.

Memorise pack: T13

• Provides a thorough explanation of TWO WHS risks, which should be
 5
 assessed prior to preparing and using recycled timber in a project
 • Provides a sound explanation of TWO WHS risks, which should be
 4
 assessed prior to preparing and using recycled timber in a project
 • Provides features of TWO WHS risks, which should be assessed prior to
 preparing and/or using recycled timber in a project
 OR 3
 • A thorough explanation of ONE WHS risk, which should be assessed
 prior to preparing and/or using recycled timber in a project
 • Recognises WHS risks, which should be assessed prior to preparing
 2
 and/or using recycled timber in a project
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

Recycled timber might have previously been treated with hazardous chemicals like
pesticides, preservatives, or paints. Sanding or cutting this timber without proper assessment
could lead to exposure to harmful substances, causing respiratory issues or skin irritation.
Additionally, recycled timber may have hidden defects such as embedded nails, screws, or
metal fragments. Working with this timber without adequate inspection and removal of these
elements could result in splinters, cuts, or puncture wounds, posing physical injury risks to
workers handling the material.

Answers could include

• Dust and respiratory Issues: Sanding or cutting recycled timber generates fine dust
 particles. Workers may inhale these particles without appropriate protective measures like
 masks or ventilation, leading to respiratory problems like asthma or lung irritation.
 Assessing and managing dust exposure risks are crucial to maintaining worker health and
 safety.
• Structural integrity: Recycled timber might have undergone degradation, weakening its
 structural integrity due to previous wear, insect damage, or rot. Failing to assess this risk
 might result in structural instability during construction, leading to accidents or collapses
 and endangering worker safety.
Section III

A partnership with a hierarchical structure (e.g. a large furniture manufacturer) has many management levels and specialised departments. Its marketing is formal and planned: decisions pass through several levels, and specialised teams handle market research, branding and larger campaigns (TV, catalogues, showrooms, trade fairs), which is thorough but slow.

A sole trader with a flat structure (e.g. a custom furniture maker) makes marketing decisions personally and quickly. They rely on low-cost social media, a website, word of mouth and their portfolio, and can react fast to trends and client feedback, but have a smaller budget and reach.

Both firms aim to reach clients who want tailored solutions, but they differ in speed, budget and formality. So the hierarchical firm has greater reach and consistency, while the flat firm has greater flexibility and personal service.

Memorise pack: S10

• Provides a comprehensive comparison that highlights differences in
 5
 approach to marketing and advertising of both firms
 • Provides a sound comparison of the differences in approach to
 4
 marketing and advertising of both firms
 • Provides a description of the two firms’ approaches to marketing and
 advertising
 OR 3
 • Provides a sound description of the approach to marketing and
 advertising used by an organisation
 • Shows some understanding of marketing and advertising 2
 • Provides some relevant information 1

NESA sample answer

Organisation A, a partnership-owned firm with a hierarchical structure, tends to have a formal
approach to marketing and advertising. This means that decisions about how to promote
their products or services go through different levels of management before being put into
action. Each partner might have a say in these decisions, which can take time. They may
have specialised teams for different marketing tasks, like research or branding.
In contrast, Organisation B, a sole trader-owned firm with a flat management structure, takes
a more flexible approach. This means that decisions about marketing are made more quickly
because there are fewer levels of management. A small team might handle marketing
directly, allowing for faster reactions to changes in market conditions.

The organisational structure of a furniture business strongly influences how it organises production and how efficiently it operates. Hierarchical structures favour standardised, high-volume efficiency, and flat structures favour flexibility and speed of response.

Decision-making: in hierarchical Organisation A, approvals for new products, machinery or schedule changes pass through several managers, which slows responses. In flat Organisation B, the owner decides immediately, so it can change a job or accept a custom order the same day.

Specialisation and production: Organisation A can afford specialised departments (design, CNC programming, assembly, finishing, quality control) and mass-production equipment, producing large volumes at low unit cost. Organisation B's few multi-skilled workers do many tasks and suit one-off custom pieces, but at a higher cost per unit.

Quality control: A can run formal QC with inspectors, standards and documented procedures, giving consistency. B relies on the owner's personal checks, which are flexible and personal but less systematic and harder to keep consistent as it grows.

Resources and cost: A's extra management layers add overhead costs, and communication can be slow or distorted. B has low overheads and direct communication, but limited capital limits investment in efficient technology such as CNC routers.

Innovation and motivation: B's workers often have more autonomy and job satisfaction, encouraging ideas. A can fund research and development, but rigid procedures may discourage individual initiative.

Overall, the hierarchical structure is more efficient for high-volume, standardised production, while the flat structure is more efficient for small-batch, customised work. Each firm is most efficient when its structure matches its market.

Memorise pack: S11

• Provides an analysis of the influence of management approaches to
 9–10
 production and efficiency
 • Provides an explanation of the influence of management approaches to
 7–8
 production and/or efficiency
 • Describes the influence of management approaches to production and
 5–6
 efficiency
 • Demonstrates some understanding of the influence of management
 3–4
 approaches to production and/or efficiency
 • Provides some relevant information 1–2

Answers could include

• Decision-making speed
 – Hierarchical structures (Organisation A) may experience slower decision-making due to
 the various levels of approval required.
 – Flat structures (Organisation B) typically allow for quicker decisions due to fewer layers
 of management.
• Responsiveness to change
 – Organisation A might be less responsive to change because of its many tiers of
 management, which can slow down the implementation of new ideas.
 – Organisation B is likely more agile and can adapt quickly due to its simpler structure.
• Quality control
 – In a hierarchical structure, quality control can be more standardised and rigorous,
 although potentially slower.
 – Flat structures might have more flexible quality control processes, allowing for quicker
 adjustments but possibly less consistency.
• Resource allocation
 – Hierarchical firms may have more complex resource allocation processes, potentially
 leading to inefficiencies.
 – Flat structures might allocate resources more dynamically and efficiently due to less
 bureaucracy.
• Innovation
• Communication
• Employee autonomy
• Management overhead
• Cost efficiency
• Risk management.
2024 HSC Industrial Technology
Timber Products and Furniture Technologies