Geoff's Woodwork for Students of Woodwork
Hand Crafted Processes  versus Machinery                                                                     back Timber does not always come prepared ready to assemble into a finished article.    When ever you design a job you should keep in mind the standard cross section of timber and board that is available.   However, you will be very fortunate if you are able to produce and assemble the project without conversion from a larger size. The use of woodworking machinery and portable power tools greatly reduce the time and labour in converting timber to a usable size and cross section.      The use of such mechanical aids unfortunately is not always possible or even desirable.   Some of the reasons are as follows: 1.      Lack of suitable tooling, i.e. moulding profile/cutter, 2.      timber being worked not suitable for following reasons: too small in cross section to handle safely, quantity of members does not justify time taken to set up, material is delicate and grain ‘lifts’ or ‘tears’ using machine cutters, 3.      the age and experience of operator, 4.      aesthetically inappropriate, i.e.. production of hand crafted instruments or other products. 5.      and finally, on a training course or apprenticeship the desirability of using hand tools for the experience of the operator.    Very often the assessment system demands a range of processes from a given range to provide experience and evidence of  competence. On the other hand, machinery does reduce much of the labour and repetitiveness of certain operations and used sensibly will do much to enhance the trade of woodworking.     A careful balance of machinery and hand crafting is therefore prudent.    This is then weighted on the grounds of safety, experience and training not only of the trainee or student but also the supervisor.   A qualified operator is not necessarily experienced to supervise novice operators until they themselves have gained experience and knowledge of all operations and possible malpractice.   Woodworking machinery remains one of the most dangerous industrial processes but with careful management of those risks, such accidents can be reduced.   On training courses the emphasis usually will be something close to the following criteria: Machinery circular saws, planer, thicknessor ~ used to convert from larger cross section down to a usable bench top cross section. Portable power tools, for fitting and the large, repetitive processes and production finishing. Hand tools, for bench work, jointing, fitting and assembly, etc.   It will usually found that using a hand tool or technique will allow the operator to work to much closer tolerances albeit slower. Not withstanding the above, all jobs should be adjusted and finished by hand processes,  this includes planing of all surfaces with the smoothing plane before fitting and hand sanding for finishing even if a portable power sander has been used to a larger extent in the process. A hand finished product will always stand out from a completely machine made product.    Such products, although time consuming will command a higher price bracket and the discerning customer who will come back for more.
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Last uploaded  21st September 2003