Commercial Processes For Timber Based Materials (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
Routing
Routing removes timber or manufactured board using a high-speed rotating cutter
How does routing work?
The workpiece is clamped securely or held against a straight piece of material called a fence
A suitable router bit is selected for the required groove, rebate, profile or cut-out
A guide, template, jig or CNC program controls the path
Several shallow passes may be used to achieve the final depth safely and accurately
Typical uses
Cabinet joints, decorative edges, slots, rebates, signs and flat-pack furniture parts
Quality and production
Templates and CNC control improve repeatability
Dust extraction and correct feed direction of the tools into the material can improve safety and surface quality
Worked Example
State one advantage of using a template with a router.
[1 mark]
Answer
The template guides the cutter so repeated components have the same shape and dimensions. [1]
Turning
Turning shapes a rotating piece of wood using cutting tools on a lathe
How does turning work?
The timber blank is mounted between the jaws in a chuck in a machine called a lathe
The tool rest (where the cutting tool will be when it is cutting into the workpiece) is positioned close to the rotating workpiece
Gouges and chisels are tools used to remove material to form cylinders, curves, beads and tapers
The part is sanded and finished on the lathe
Typical uses
Chair legs, bowls, handles, spindles and decorative components
Quality and production
A profile gauge, callipers or a sample component can be used to compare dimensions during batch production
Worked Example
Why is turning suitable for making a wooden table leg?
[1 mark]
Answer
The leg is rotationally symmetrical therefore the lathe spins the timber so material can be removed evenly to create accurate cylindrical and curved features. [1]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
For commercial turning, examiners want more than 'a lathe is used'. You will gain marks for knowledge and understanding of high-volume replication. Say that commercial turning uses CAD/CAM-controlled lathes, or a template/former held against the workpiece, so that hundreds of identical parts (for example staircase spindles or chair legs) can be reproduced to the same profile every time, rather than one component shaped by eye.
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