Woodworking 1
Title: Introduction to Woodworking: A Basic Course
Course Description: The Introduction to Woodworking course is designed to provide beginners with fundamental skills and knowledge in the art of woodworking. This hands-on course covers the essential techniques, tools, and safety practices necessary to start creating simple woodworking projects.
Course Duration: Semester
Course Outline:
Introduction to Woodworking
Overview of woodworking as a craft and its historical significance.
Introduction to different types of wood and their characteristics.
Explanation of basic woodworking terminology.
Safety guidelines for working with tools and materials.
Essential Hand Tools
Introduction to fundamental hand tools such as chisels, planes, saws, and mallets.
Hands-on practice with each tool to develop basic skills.
Proper tool maintenance and sharpening techniques.
Power Tools and Equipment
Introduction to common power tools like the jigsaw, circular saw, and power drill.
Demonstrations and hands-on practice with power tools under supervision.
Explanation of safety precautions specific to power tool usage.
Joinery Techniques
Overview of basic joinery methods including butt joints, miter joints, and lap joints.
Demonstration and practice of creating different types of joints.
Discussion on when to use specific joints based on project requirements.
Wood Finishing
Introduction to various wood finishes like stains, varnishes, and paints.
Explanation of different finishing techniques and their effects on wood.
Hands-on practice of applying finishes to a small woodworking project.
Simple Woodworking Projects
Application of skills learned throughout the course to create a basic woodworking project (e.g., a small shelf, picture frame, or wooden box).
Instructor-guided project where students practice measuring, cutting, joining, and finishing.
Emphasis on applying safety protocols and proper techniques.
Examples of projects: Cutting board, Clipboard, Finger Joint Box, Pocket Hole Joint project. Lesson Plans for 3 typical projects are listed below.
Assessment and Grading: Assessment is based on participation, skill development, completion of assigned tasks, and the various woodworking projects. Safety adherence and craftsmanship are given significant weight in the evaluation.
Course Materials:
Basic woodworking tools.
Various types of wood for practice and projects. (Fee-related to project cost and material selected)
Safety gear including goggles, ear protection, and dust masks. (Fee related for glasses)
Handouts and reference materials summarizing key concepts and techniques.
By the end of this course, students will have acquired a solid foundation in woodworking, enabling them to tackle basic projects with confidence, apply safe practices, and understand the principles of working with wood and tools effectively.
Module 1 - Safety in the Lab
Safety is one of our top priorities and students will be required to complete safety test and competencies test. If students are not following safety expectations they will lose the opportunity to continue to work in the lab for the remainder of the class period.
7 Key points for ensure safety in the Woods Lab
Safety equipment must always be worn - Safety Glasses!
Never work alone in the lab
Know where the exits are located
Know the emergency procedures
A clean lab is a safe lab
No horse play in the lab
If a piece of equipment breaks let the instructor know so that it can be fixed.
General Work Space Expectations
Always check area for debris.
Know what dangers exist with each piece of equipment.
Understand the dangers associated with the material you are working with.
Make sure nobody is in your work space unless they are aiding you in a task.
Do not misuse equipment.
Use the right tool for the job.
Module 2 - Lab Equipment
Students should become familiar with the different lab equipment related to the course. Below you will see some of the larger equipment that students will be able to run in the lab and safety related to operation.
Table Saw Safety Expectations
Safety glasses must be worn at all times.
Check material for defects twist, bows, warping etc.
Check Area for debris
Know how to set up the saw safely
Understand the purpose of the different parts or features of the saw such as the fence, table, blade depth, guard, and how to adjust it for different tasks.
Understand the dangers related to the saw such as "Kick Back"
Make sure there are no electric cords or anything in the work area
Kickback is the term for wood that suddenly and without warning is propelled back towards the operator at a high rate of speed. Below are a couple of links to videos that better explain Kickback.
Table Saw Basics
Kickback 1
Kickback 2 click to view on youtube
Radial Arm\Miter Saw Safety Expectations
Safety glasses must be worn at all times.
Check material for defects twist, bows, warping etc.
Check work area for debris.
Visually check the blade for damage and sharpness.
Check to make sure the saw is fixed firmly to prevent tipping.
Check the guard for any defects and is operating freely.
Ensure back fence is accurately located for the particular operation.
For angle cuts make sure the locking screw is tightened firmly.
Identify the position of the stop and start switch located on the handle.
Check to make sure the sliding arms move freely.
If the machine is being operated as a drop miter saw, ensure that the sliding arms are locked .
Make sure you are following the general safety guidelines for the shop.
Keep hands at least 4" away from blade 6" or more is preferred.
Minimum material size should be at 10".
Band Saw Safety
The band saw is almost indispensable for making curved cuts and re-sawing (cutting wood to make it thinner). The blade is a thin loop of steel, typically ¼ to ½ inch wide. The blade runs over wheels above and below a table, allowing wood to be cut where blade is traveling downward through the table. The size of a band saw is determined by the diameter of the wheels, which roughly indicates the largest piece that can fit between the blade and the body of the saw. The band saw is a rough cutting and shaping tool not intended for finish cuts. The following rules must be followed when using the band saw:
• Adjust the upper guide and guard to be set as close to the work as possible, at least within 1/4 inch.
• Allow the saw to reach full speed before starting to feed your work.
• Plan cuts carefully; layout and make relief cuts before cutting long curves and curves of small radii. Turning holes should be made where required. Plan work so that all cuts will be made in the forward direction.
• If the stock binds or pinches the blade, do not attempt to back the stock out until the power has been shut off. Backing up while the machine is running could pull the blade off the wheels.
• When removing scrap material from the band saw table, always be aware of the blade. Use a piece of scrap stock to remove scrap pieces; do not use your hands.
• Keep floor area surrounding the saw clear of scraps.
• If the blade breaks, stand clear and shut off the power if possible. Keep others clear until the machine stops completely and notify the instructor.
• Never make adjustments to the saw while it is running.
• Do not place your fingers close to the saw blade when cutting stock. Always maintain a 4” margin of safety.
• If it is necessary to back the saw out of a long cut, turn the power off and wait for the blade to stop. Then seek assistance from the instructor.
• Leave the machine only after the power is turned off and the blade has stopped moving completely.
• Your instructor must approve all re-sawing and other special setups.
• Use a push stick or guide for cuts near the saw blade.
• Keep upper and lower doors closed and all guards in place.
• Cutting cylindrical or irregular stock on the band saw may be done only with a special jig, such as a V-block (special setup).
• Never stand or allow others to stand to the right of the band saw when it is running.
• If you hear a clicking noise, turn off the saw at once. This indicates a crack or kink in the blade as it passes through the guide.
Planer Safety
Operational Safety Rules:
1. Approach your work in the Lab and thickness planer with a safe attitude!
2. Turn on the dust collector before starting the thickness planer.
3. Do not plane boards with loose knots, nails or any foreign material on the surface.
4. Do not try to plane boards that are shorter than 12” long unless you have a backup board longer than 12”. Short boards can get caught in the planer and cause serious damage.
5. Do not remove more material per pass than 3/16” for boards up to 9” wide and 1/8” for boards over 9” wide.
6. WARNING! If the thickness planer makes a cracking or popping noise, shut it down immediately. This may indicate that the board is broken or stuck in the unit. Notify the instructor so that he can check the planer for damage.
7. If the work is too large for one person to handle, get help holding the stock or use infeed or outfeed supports.
8. When you have finished your use of the thickness planer, push both the stop button and dust collector. Then cleanup the area.
Planer Basics
Thickness Planer Safety Rules:
1. Follow the 3” rule; always keep fingers at least 3” from the opening where the boards are fed. Your hand could get caught by the feed roller and be drawn into the feed roller or cutterhead causing serious injury or amputation.
2. Never place your hand into the thickness planer infeed or outfeed opening.
3. Do not hold the boards so that you have fingers on the bottom side of the board when feeding the board into the thickness planer. Your fingers could be caught between the board and the table and cause serious damage to them.
4. Plane only boards that are flat.
5. Keep a balanced stance at the planer.
6. Never clear small pieces from the input or output tables with your hand while the thickness planer is running. Use a brush, or stop the thickness planer.
>> Planer Diagram <<
Router Basics 1
Router Basics 2
Router Basics 3
Router Safety
The router is a simple, versatile, relatively safe, portable electric tool. The router consists mainly of two parts; a motor with a collet mounted on one end of the motor shaft and a base which holds the motor. A bit or cutter is mounted in the collet and protrudes below the surface of the base to do the cutting. The depth of the cut can be adjusted by moving the motor up or down inside the base and locking it at the desired depth setting. Routers run at speeds up to about 22,000 rpm. There are two basic types of routers, fixed-base and plunge. With a fixed base router, the motor is adjusted in the base for a given depth of cut and locked in place. With a plunge router, the motor can be slid up and down within the base while the motor is running. The following rules must be followed when using a router:
• Only use accessories designed to operate in high speed routers.
• Always disconnect the plug form the electrical outlet before changing bits or making adjustments. This also applies to special set-ups where the router is mounted in a table.
• Make sure the bit is firmly secured in the chuck before starting work.
• Make sure the router motor is secured to the router base before the power is turned on.
• When starting the router, make sure the bit is not in contact with the work.
• Hold the router firmly when turning the power on to overcome the starting torque of the motor.
• Keep hands and loose clothing away from revolving bits and cutters.
• Operate router in the proper direction, e.g., into or against cutter rotation.
• Do not overload or “bog down” the speed of the router.
• Make several light cuts where large amounts of material are to be removed.
• Always make sure the bit is sharp. If unsure, check with the instructor. Never use a dull bit.
• At least ½” of the router bit shank must be in the collets.
• The work to be routed must be securely clamped or otherwise secured.
• When using multi-piece router bits, double check to make sure that all nuts and bearings are tightened properly.
Basic Problem Solving?
What do I do if the machine is not working?
Turn the machine off.
Remove any lose material from the equipment.
If material is stuck shut of machine and get instructor
Determine the issue that you are addressing.
Check the blade, bit, etc.
Does the machine have power?
Did the machine break?
Lack of Power?
Make sure the equipment is plugged in.
Do you need a new battery?
Did you saw throw the cord?
Common Woodworking Terminology
Rip Cut vs. Cross Cut
In woodworking, a rip-cut is a type of cut that severs or divides a piece of wood parallel to the grain. The other typical type of cut is a cross-cut, a cut perpendicular to the grain. Unlike cross-cutting, which shears the wood fibers, a rip saw works more like a series of chisels, lifting off small splinters of wood.
Rip Cut vs. Cross Cut
It is important to understand the difference between a rip cut and a cross cut when working with wood. It is also important to know which blade is best to use.
Blade Teeth
Teeth Profile
Angle point vs. Flat Point
Kickback is the term for wood that suddenly and without warning is propelled back towards the operator at a high rate of speed. ... As wood is set against the fence and pushed across the table saw into the blade, it can begin to lose pressure against the fence.
Woodworking Joints
Butt Joint
Miter Joint
Biscuit Joint
Rabbit Joint
Finger Joint
Dove Joint
Pocket Hole Joint
Mortise and Tenon Joint
Course Work
Course work will consist of but are not limited too.
Lab Projects
Google Sketchup drawings
Quiz style Worksheets
Lab Projects
Projects will be listed below along with the expectations or additional assignments below.
Cost: Each project for Woodworking 1 will start at $25 and will be adjusted accordingly based on different factors surrounding the building process.
Each material has different cost associated to it.
Conceptual Design:
Blue Prints - A blue print is a digital or hard copy of that illustrates your conceptual design of your project. Students will create a blue print using one of the following programs CAD or Google Sketchup based program to create a blue print of their project. As a last resort students could create a drawing if none of the other options are available.
Remote Learners: I have attached a link to the Google Sketch Up site if you cannot find it. If you are using your Meridian 223 account you can go up to top right hand side of the screen to the 9 squares and click on that and you should have google sketch up as an option.
Project 1- Cutting Board
Students will create an appealing design for their cutting board while incorporating specific types of material best suited for the project. They will complete the project by adding finishing touches such as routed edges and curved lines. They will finish it off with a food save finish.
Please note: If you completed the cutting board project in industrial arts you will have an alternative project.
Cutting Board Project Outline:
Materials: Students will choose from materials that are best for the cutting board project.
Cherry
Walnut
Hickory
Project Requirements from start to finish:
Blue Print - Students need to make an illustration of the design for the project.
Pass the safety and compliance test for power equipment used during construction.
Table saw, Miter saw, router, band saw, planer, sanders, clamps, etc.
Construct the project
Plane and cut stock to size.
Glue and Clamp
Layout and pre-fit material to ensure that you have straight cuts so that the edges line up.
Clamp before Gluing to ensure pieces will not have gaps.
Glue and Clamp
Let sit for 24 hrs the longer the better.
Plane down to get rid of uneven areas
Cut ends straight to make it square.
Route Edges
Sanding
120 Grit
150/180 Grit
220 Grit
Wet the wood to pull up the fibers of the wood
220 Grit
Resand all rough areas until smooth
Finish with Mineral Oil (Petroleum Based)
Let stand for 24 hours after first coat.
Coat again with oil wait 24 hours and project is ready to take home.
You can finish with other oils but most oils have a tree nut oil in them so do your research if you have concerns. Remember that the oil you use should be food safe.
Please remember that each project will have it's own obstacles to overcome. We will address these issues as they come up.
Project 2- Finger Joint Box
Students will create a small keepsake box that will build on the skills learned while making a cutting board. Students will also learn how to make a decorative woodworking joint called a finger joint using a router jig. To complete this project, students will have to determine what type of wood finish they would like to use on the outside of the box.
Finger Joint Box Project Outline:
Main Material: Maple
Accent Material:
Cherry
Walnut
Hickory
Project Requirements from start to finish:
Blue Print - Students need to make an illustration of the design for the project.
Pass the safety and compliance test for power equipment used during construction.
Table saw, Miter saw, router, band saw, planer, sanders, clamps, etc.
Construct the project
Plane and cut stock to size. Width needs to be either at a full inch or 1/2 measurement to make it easier and have less building issues.
Route Fingers
Glue and Clamp walls together (Finger Joint Pieces)
Layout and pre-fit material to ensure that you have straight cuts so that the edges line up.
Clamp before Gluing to ensure pieces will not have gaps.
Let sit for 24 hrs. the longer the better.
Cut extra material off of the finger joints with hand saw and sand joints flat.
Next, you will select or create pieces for the top(Lid) and bottom of the project. If gluing multiple pieces together to create a laminated board you must complete before gluing to the walls/box.
The bottom will be glued to the walls using clamps. It is highly recommended to sand the inside of the box before gluing on the bottom.
The lid will have a rabbit joint cut into it to prevent the lid from sliding off.
Remember that we will route the edges of the box accordingly during this time.
Next you will decide what you would like for handles and create them.
You will sand all pieces before gluing handles on.
Next you will glue and clamp on the handles.
Sanding
120 Grit
180 Grit
220 Grit
After gluing on handles, and the bottom we will work through sanding all the glue areas.
Finish
Students will have a choice of what kind of finishing material they would like to use.
Danish oil
Water based Polyurethane
Oil Based Wipe on Polyurethane
Lacquer
Shellac
Project 3 - Step Stool
When making the Step Stool, students will expand on the knowledge that they have gained from building the previous two projects. In this project, students will learn how to use a Kreg Jig to create a pocket hole joint.
Pocket Joint Project Outline:
Material: Maple, Hickory, Cherry, Pine
Accent Material:
Walnut
Project Requirements from start to finish:
Blue Print - Students need to make an illustration of the design for the project. Options presented to students are stools or nightstand(small table).
Construct the project
Plane and cut stock to size.
It is best to make a large piece that you could cut into multiple pieces to make sides match with the top if making stool.
Glue and Clamp material together (Material must be prepared for glueing).
Layout and pre-fit material to ensure that you have straight cuts so that the edges line up.
Clamp before Gluing to ensure pieces will not have gaps.
Let sit for 24 hrs. the longer the better.
Unclamp and clean up material
Clean glued areas up.
Plane to remove excess glue.
Cut material to exact sizes needed. Plane again or sand as needed.
Once you have the Top, Legs and brace materials you need to follow these steps.
Legs will need to be cut into shape creating angles on the two side edges. Typically with an angle around 10 degrees. Use a miter saw to accomplish these cuts.
You will also need to cut the top of each side brace to the same angle using the table saw. You should always pre-fit each piece together as you are building so you make sure you are not making any mistakes.
Before connecting all of these pieces together you should sand each piece while they are flat and are easier to sand. This does not mean that you will not have to touch them up after final construction.
120 Grit
180 Grit
220 Grit
Pocket Hole Joints
You will mark all pieces where you plan on creating a pocket joint.
Next, you will have to use the Kreg jig and a drill to create all pocket joints.
Once finished measure and mark out the project to make sure all sides are centered before final assembly.
Final sanding and Finish
Students will have a choice of what kind of finishing material they would like to use.
Danish oil
Water based Polyurethane
Oil Based Wipe on Polyurethane
Lacquer
Shellac
Pocket Hole Basics
Google Sketch-up Drawings
Re-engineer these products and joints using Google Sketch-up
D1W1: Coaster Holder
D2W1: Wine bottle and glass shelf
D3W1: Lap Joint and Square Finger Joint
This image to the left on top is exactly how you should draw each joint one image showing two separate pieces and one image showing the combined joint.
D4W1: Dove Tail Joint
D5W1: Finger Joint Box
This is a blue print for your finger Joint Box.
D6W1: Mortise and Tenon
D7W1: Miter Joint
D8W1: Wood Bench
D9W1: Toilet Paper Holder
Online Quiz style worksheets
Miter Saw Quiz/Worksheet
Table Saw Quiz/Worksheet
All Quiz-Worksheets are prepared through google forms and are in multiple choice format. Each quiz has a video that you will watch while taking the quiz making it an open book quiz or in other word a worksheet.
This is the end of Content for the Woods 1 class. Additional information may be added later please check with your instructor.