Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Junior Secondary 1
Woodwork Hand Tools
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Woodwork Hand Tools
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Subject: Basic Technology
Class: Junior Secondary 1
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Theme: Tools, Machines And Processes
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Identify woodwork:- Measuring to ols- Setting and marking out to ols- Driving to ols- Boring to ols- work holding devices- Cutting and paring to ols Describe the woodworkhand to ols; Use and sketch the handtools; Care and maintainwoodwork hand to ols.
Held with two hands, guided with pressure, without striking.
Nigerian Context: For detailed carving, fine-tuning joints, and achieving smooth finishes on decorative items.
Mortise Chisel: Description: Very thick, strong, and heavy blade, designed specifically for chopping deep, narrow mortise joints.
Function: Used for cutting mortises (rectangular holes) to receive tenons in joint making.
Usage: Position the chisel and strike firmly with a mallet, levering out waste material.
Nigerian Context: Essential for traditional joinery in durable furniture and heavy door/window frames.
3. Planes: Tools used for smoothing, flattening, and shaping wooden surfaces by shaving off thin layers.
Jack Plane: Description: A medium-sized plane (typically 30-38cm long) with a slightly curved cutting iron.
Function: The general-purpose plane, used for roughing down timber, removing twists, and straightening edges before finishing.
Usage: Push steadily along the grain, taking successive shavings.
Nigerian Context: Often the first plane used on rough-sawn timber, preparing it for finer work.
Smoothing Plane: Description: A shorter plane (typically 20-25cm long) with a finely set, straight cutting iron.
Function: Used for producing a smooth, fine finish on timber surfaces after the jack plane has done the rough work.
Usage: Take very thin shavings, often diagonally or across the grain in short sections, to achieve a polished surface.
Nigerian Context: Essential for achieving the smooth finish required for high-quality furniture before sanding and varnishing.
Block Plane: Description: A small plane designed to be used with one hand, with the blade set at a low angle.
Function: Used for small trimming tasks, chamfering edges, and cleaning up end grain.
Usage: Held in one hand, pushed along the edge or end of the wood.
Nigerian Context: Handy for finishing small details on furniture, trimming laminates, or shaping small wooden components.
4. Spokeshave: Description: A plane-like tool with short handles on either side of a central blade, resembling a drawknife but with a depth-of-cut adjustment.
Function: Used for shaping curves, rounding edges, and making convex or concave profiles.
Usage: Held with two hands, pushed or pulled along the wood, following the curve.
Nigerian Context: Crucial for making curved chair backs, decorative railings, or shaping intricate components of wooden carvings.
5. Rasp: Description: A hand tool with a file-like body covered in individual, sharp, projecting teeth (not a continuous cutting edge like a file).
Function: Used for aggressive shaping and rapid removal of wood, especially on curved or irregular surfaces, where a plane or chisel would be too difficult or too slow. Leaves a rough finish.
Usage: Push or pull across the wood, removing material quickly.
Nigerian Context: Common in carving, sculpting, and rough shaping of intricate wooden components, such as carved chair legs or decorative elements.
6. File: Description: A steel tool with parallel rows of cutting teeth. Files have various shapes (flat, half-round, round) and cuts (single-cut, double-cut, rasp-cut).
Function: Used for fine shaping, smoothing, and removing small amounts of material from wood (or metal). Produces a smoother finish than a rasp.
Usage: Push across the workpiece in smooth strokes, lifting on the return stroke. * Nigerian Context: Used for refining shapes, smoothing edges, and sometimes for sharpening other tools. This section details the various categories of woodwork hand tools, their descriptions, functions, and typical usage. A. Measuring Tools These tools are used to obtain accurate dimensions (length, width, thickness) and to check angles.
1. Steel Rule: Description: A flat, straight strip of steel, usually 30cm or 60cm long, with graduations in millimetres and centimetres (or inches).
Function: Used for taking linear measurements of short distances and for marking short, straight lines.
Usage: Place the rule directly on the workpiece, align the zero mark with the starting point, and read the measurement at the desired point.
Nigerian Context: Commonly used by carpenters to measure wood for furniture like chairs, tables, and cabinets.
2. Measuring Tape (Steel Tape Rule): Description: A flexible steel or fabric tape housed in a case, available in lengths from 3m to 50m. It has a locking mechanism and a hook at the end.
Function: Used for measuring longer distances, especially on large pieces of timber or for measuring room dimensions.
Usage: Extend the tape, hook the end onto one edge of the material, and pull it taut to read the measurement.
Nigerian Context: Indispensable for roof construction, door and window frame installation, and general building layout by local builders.
3. Try Square: Description: Consists of a thick wooden or metal stock and a steel blade fixed at a precise 90-degree angle.
Function: Used for checking the squareness of edges and ends of timber, and for marking lines at right angles to an edge.
Usage: Place the stock against a true edge of the workpiece, then draw a line along the blade. Check squareness by placing the blade against the edge and observing any gaps against a light source.
Nigerian Context: Essential for ensuring that joints for tables, chairs, and door frames are perfectly square for stability.
4. Bevel Square (Sliding Bevel): Description: Similar to a try square, but its blade can be adjusted and locked at any angle relative to the stock.
Function: Used for marking and checking angles other than 90 degrees, often for transferring angles from a drawing or an existing workpiece.
Usage: Adjust the blade to the desired angle using a protractor or an existing angled surface, then lock it in place. Use it to mark the angle on the workpiece.
Nigerian Context: Useful for creating decorative angles on furniture, fitting sloped roof components, or constructing specific joint types like mitre joints. B. Setting and Marking Out Tools These tools are used to transfer measurements, draw lines, and prepare the workpiece for cutting, shaping, or boring.
1. Marking Knife: Description: A small knife with a sharp, pointed blade.
Function: Used for making fine, accurate lines across wood grain, which provide a precise guide for sawing or chiselling and prevent splintering.
Usage: Hold the knife firmly against a straight edge (like a rule or try square) and draw it across the wood, scoring a shallow line.
Nigerian Context: Preferred by experienced joiners for high-precision work, ensuring clean cuts for intricate furniture details.
2. Marking Gauge: Description: Comprises a stem (bar), a stock (head), and a sharp pin (spur) fixed onto the stem. The stock can slide along the stem and be locked with a thumbscrew.
Function: Used for marking lines parallel to an edge or face of a workpiece, especially for determining thickness or width.
Usage: Set the distance from the stock to the pin. Place the stock against the edge of the wood and slide the gauge along, allowing the pin to score a parallel line.
Nigerian Context: Used extensively in door and window frame production, where uniform thickness and precise joint lines are critical.
3. Scriber: Description: A slender metal rod with a sharp, hardened steel point at one or both ends.
Function: Primarily used for marking lines on metal, but can also be used for marking on hard timbers where a pencil mark might be too thick or difficult to see. * Usage: Held like a pencil, it scores a fine line onto the surface.
4. Bradawl: pin to score a parallel line.
Nigerian Context: Used extensively in door and window frame production, where uniform thickness and precise joint lines are critical.
3. Scriber: Description: A slender metal rod with a sharp, hardened steel point at one or both ends.
Function: Primarily used for marking lines on metal, but can also be used for marking on hard timbers where a pencil mark might be too thick or difficult to see.
Usage: Held like a pencil, it scores a fine line onto the surface.
4. Bradawl: Description: A small tool with a sharp, pointed, flattened tip.
Function: Used for making small pilot holes for screws or nails, especially in softwoods, to prevent splitting the wood. It pierces rather than drills.
Usage: Place the point on the desired spot and twist the handle, applying downward pressure to bore a shallow hole.
Nigerian Context: Common in furniture assembly, especially for fixing hinges or small components without splitting expensive timber.
5. Pencil: Description: A common writing and drawing tool with a graphite lead.
Function: Used for general marking out on wood, less precise than a marking knife but suitable for rough cuts or general layout.
Usage: Hold and draw lines as required.
Nigerian Context: Universally used for all types of marking, from rough timber sizing to detailed design outlines.
6. Dividers: Description: A two-legged tool with sharp points at both ends, joined by a pivot.
Function: Used for transferring measurements, marking out equal divisions, or scribing arcs and circles on a surface.
Usage: Adjust the legs to the desired radius, place one point at the centre, and rotate to draw an arc or circle.
Nigerian Context: Useful for marking decorative curves on wooden carvings, furniture parts, or for laying out patterns.
7. Trammel Points: Description: Consists of two sliding heads (points) that can be clamped onto a long wooden or metal beam.
Function: Used for scribing large circles or arcs, or for transferring large dimensions, where dividers are too small.
Usage: Set the distance between the two points on the beam, place one point at the centre, and rotate the beam to draw a large arc or circle.
Nigerian Context: Essential for marking out large circular tabletops, well covers, or curved archways in building construction. C. Driving Tools These tools are used to drive fasteners like nails or pins into wood, or to strike other tools (e.g., chisels).
1. Claw Hammer: Description: Has a metal head with one flat striking face (for driving) and a V-shaped claw (for pulling nails), typically attached to a wooden or fibreglass handle.
Function: Primarily used for driving nails into wood and for pulling out nails.
Usage: Hold the nail, strike the head squarely with the hammer face. To pull a nail, wedge the claw under the nail head and lever the hammer back.
Nigerian Context: The most common hammer, used for all general carpentry, from constructing market stalls to roofing.
2. Pin Hammer (Cross Pein Hammer): Description: Smaller and lighter than a claw hammer, with a flat striking face and a wedge-shaped pein perpendicular to the handle.
Function: Used for driving small nails (panel pins, brads) without damaging the surrounding wood, and for starting larger nails in awkward positions using the pein.
Usage: Use the flat face for final driving of pins. The pein can be used to tap the side of small nails to start them before fully driving with the face.
Nigerian Context: Ideal for delicate joinery, picture framing, or attaching decorative mouldings.
3. Mallet: Description: A hammer-like tool with a head made of wood, rubber, or plastic, typically with a short handle.
Function: Used for striking other tools (like chisels) to prevent damage to their handles, or for tapping wooden components together without marring the surface.
Usage: Strike the head of the chisel or tap the wooden workpiece gently.
Nigerian Context: Essential for joiners when assembling intricate joints or when using chisels for precision work without damaging the chisel handles. *
D. Boring delicate joinery, picture framing, or attaching decorative mouldings.
3. Mallet: Description: A hammer-like tool with a head made of wood, rubber, or plastic, typically with a short handle.
Function: Used for striking other tools (like chisels) to prevent damage to their handles, or for tapping wooden components together without marring the surface.
Usage: Strike the head of the chisel or tap the wooden workpiece gently.
Nigerian Context: Essential for joiners when assembling intricate joints or when using chisels for precision work without damaging the chisel handles.
D. Boring Tools These tools are used to create holes in wood.
1. Bradawl: (Reiterated, as it also serves as a boring tool for small holes)
Function: Used to make small pilot holes or starting points for screws and small nails by piercing and rotating.
Usage: Twist the handle while applying pressure.
2. Gimlet: Description: A hand tool with a spiralled point and a cross handle at the top.
Function: Used for boring small holes in wood, larger than those made by a bradawl, for screws or wires. It cuts a thread as it's turned.
Usage: Place the point on the wood, and twist the handle to bore the hole.
Nigerian Context: Useful for preparing holes for small hinges or light-duty fixings.
3. Brace and Bit: Description: The "brace" is a hand-powered drilling tool with a crank handle, a chuck to hold the "bit", and a breastplate or pad for pressure. "Bits" are the cutting tools that fit into the brace.
Function: Used for boring medium to large diameter holes in wood with significant torque.
Types of Bits: Auger Bit: Spiralled flutes, self-feeding screw point, for deep, clean holes.
Twist Bit (Wood Twist Bit): Similar to metal drill bits but with a sharper point and wider flutes, for general purpose drilling.
Flat Bit (Spade Bit): Flat, paddle-shaped head with a central point, for fast, rough drilling of larger holes.
Usage: Insert the bit into the chuck, place the point on the mark, apply pressure to the breastplate, and rotate the crank handle.
Nigerian Context: Still widely used in areas without electricity for making holes for dowels, larger bolts, or for creating openings in wooden panels.
4. Hand Drill: Description: A smaller, hand-cranked drilling tool with a gear mechanism that spins the chuck much faster than a brace.
Function: Used for boring smaller diameter holes rapidly and precisely.
Usage: Insert the drill bit, hold the handle, apply pressure, and crank the side handle to rotate the chuck and bit.
Nigerian Context: Common in workshops for quick, small holes, especially where electrical drills are not feasible or available. E. Work Holding Devices These tools are used to securely hold a workpiece in place while it is being worked on, ensuring safety and precision.
1. Bench Vice: Description: A heavy-duty clamping device permanently mounted to a workbench, typically with one fixed jaw and one movable jaw operated by a screw mechanism. Often has "dog" holes for clamping irregular shapes.
Function: To firmly hold timber for sawing, planing, chiselling, or boring, freeing both hands for work.
Usage: Open the jaws, place the workpiece between them, and tighten the screw until the wood is secure. Use protective jaw liners if marring is a concern.
Nigerian Context: A staple in every professional carpentry workshop, essential for stable and safe working, especially for furniture makers.
2. G-Clamp (C-Clamp): Description: A portable clamping device shaped like the letter 'G' or 'C', with a fixed jaw and a movable screw pad.
Function: Used for temporarily holding small workpieces together, clamping parts during gluing, or securing work to a workbench.
Usage: Place the workpiece between the jaws and tighten the screw to apply pressure.
Nigerian Context: Highly versatile for assembling furniture components, fixing repairs, or holding jigs in place.
3. Sash Clamp (Bar Clamp): Description: Consists of a long steel bar with a fixed head at one end and a movable jaw that slides along the bar, tightened by a screw mechanism.
Function: Used
Furniture Making and Repairs (Economic/Community): Woodwork hand tools are the backbone of Nigeria's vibrant informal furniture industry. Students can see these tools in use daily by local carpenters constructing tables, chairs, beds, and cabinets found in homes, schools, and offices. The skills learned here can directly lead to self-employment, building household items, or repairing broken furniture, saving costs and promoting sustainability within Nigerian communities. House Building and Maintenance (Community/Environment): Basic woodwork tools are indispensable in building construction for tasks like framing doors and windows, installing roof trusses, and fitting interior finishes. Understanding these tools allows students to appreciate the craftsmanship behind the wooden components of their own homes and local buildings. It also instills an understanding of how to maintain or make minor repairs to wooden structures, preventing larger issues and extending the life of buildings.
Crafts and Artistry (Cultural/Economic): Many Nigerian cultures have rich traditions of wood carving and craftwork, from making utilitarian items like mortars and pestles to intricate sculptures and ceremonial masks. Tools like chisels, Spokeshaves, and Rasps are fundamental to these crafts. Learning about these tools connects students to their cultural heritage and highlights potential avenues for artistic expression and economic opportunity through indigenous craft production and entrepreneurship.