Working Hands Wood Technology Program

What skills do they have upon graduation? What are they capable of and what do they have to offer an employer or owner of a business in furniture making, cabinet making or construction? These are some questions that potential employers want to know.

Upon successful graduation of the program:

• The student will be able to read simple multi-view drawings and plan and layout material for a project.
• He will be able to measure accurately using metric or standard inch and will be able to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• He will be able to use and maintain basic hand tools and to safely operate commonly used power machines and tools. Some of the machines used in the training are: jointer, planer, table saw, radial arm saw, grinder and drill press.
• He will be able to perform simple joinery using hand tools or machine tools.
• He will know the importance of showing up to work on time and being respectful and teachable.
• He will know the value of good “housekeeping” (cleaning up after work and putting tools back in their proper place)
• He will know the importance of honesty and integrity in the little things as well as the big things and will strive for excellence.
• Each student will have a good foundation to move forward and grow in their skills and knowledge. They are beginners who are eager to learn and grow. They vary in ability and skill but those who graduate have met all of our requirements and are sent out by Working Hands instructors who are confident that they can function well and develop in the work place.

Any questions regarding the program or a student may be directed to:

Daryl Germaine
Director of Working Hands

Gary Root
Wood Technology instructor

Pastor Rowel
Discipleship instructor and dorm parent

Course outline:

1. Introduction and Orientation
Introductions of instructors and students
Introduce Course (overview, objectives, evaluation, schedule, etc)
Shop facility orientation and General Shop Guidelines

2. Wood and Wood Materials
Nature of Wood (Structure and characteristics of wood)
Types of Wood and Wood Products

3. General Shop Safety
Attitude, Safety awareness, Protective clothing and equipment, safe environment

4. Use and Safety of Hand tools
Proper use and care of all hand tools and related safety rules

5. Use and Safety of Power Tools
Proper use and care of commonly used power tools in the shop and the safety rules of each. Tools covered – power drill/driver, sanders, jig saw, planer and skill saw.

6. Use and Safety of Power Equipment
Proper use and care of commonly used Power equipment and the safety rules of each. Machines covered: Jointer, Planer, Table saw, Radial arm saw Band saw, Chop saw, Stationary disk and belt sander, and Drill Press.

7. Basic Shop Math
Measurement in metric and standard systems
Basic Math assessment
Working with fractions
Basic Geometry

8. Basic Drafting
Communication of ideas through sketching
Understanding basic working drawings - 1. Orthographic projection- (focus on 3- view working drawings), 2. Isometric drawings and 3. Introduction to Perspective drawings.
Dimensioning

9. Planning Your Project
Steps to complete a Project
Estimation of Cost
Obtaining Material and Hardware
Layout Procedures
Efficient use of Time and Materials

10. Wood Jointery
Making common wood joints using hand tools (Dado, Rabbet, Miter)
Making common wood joints using power tools and machines. ( Dado, Rabbet, Lap, Miter, Dowel)
Advanced Wood Jointery (Raised Panel doors, Mortise and Tenon)

11. Fastening and Hardware
Types of fasteners-(nails, screws, dowel, staples)
Use of Pneumatic fasteners
Use of Adhesives and Clamping Techniques
Hardware-(hinges, glides, pulls)

12. Finishing
a. Finish preparation
Types of Abrasive Paper and sequence of use
Use of power sanders and hand blocks for hand sanding
Scrapers
b. Types of Finishes (Lacquer, Acrylic, Oil and Enamel)
c. Safety considerations in Finishing
d. Stains and Fillers
e. Brush on finishes. – (Procedure, clean-up, care of brushes)
f. Spray painting

13. Cabinet Making Process
Face Frame Construction
European or “Euro” Construction
Use of “Storey Pole”
Use of Plastic Laminate and other countertop materials
Installation Techniques.

14. Building Structure Process
(Mostly theory and observation with some hands on experience as opportunity provides.)
Structures and the role of the Carpenter
Leveling Tools
Laying out straight edges with chalk line or string
Layout of Foundation and wall framing
Reinforced Concrete and hollow block construction
Use of a rafter square for figuring length of rafters and stair layout
Fitting and hanging a door.

15. Advanced Hand and Machine Processes
Use of Pocket Hole Jig and Biscuit Jointer and Use of Router and Shaper.

16. Veneering and Bending
Bending wood laminating veneers using molds, clamping and vacuum press

17. Tool Maintenance and repair
Attitude of Stewardship
Sharpening hand plane blades and chisels
Checking squares
Basic machine care and maintenance

18. Career Planning and Preparation
Making a Resume’
Looking for work
The Job Interview
O.J.T.