Working with wood Types of wood


There are different kinds of wood and each one has its own set of properties.


Softwoods are not weaker than hardwoods. They come from cedar, fir, and pine trees and tend to be somewhat yellow or reddish. Softwoods are generally less expensive than hardwoods and are easier to cut.


Hardwoods have a greater variety of textures, colours and grain patterns. They are more difficult to work with and are more expensive than softwoods. Examples of hardwoods are birch, mahogany, maple and oak.


Holding wood


When cutting or gluing wood, it needs to be secured firmly to keep the parts in place. Tools used for gripping wood include: • carpenter’s vice: usually attached to a bench • bench hook: a device with a hooklike part fitting over the front edge of a workbench which prevents an object from slipping off the bench when cutting or chiselling


• G-clamps: available in a variety of sizes depending on the thickness, size and weight of the wood


• sash clamps: these clamps are used to hold two pieces of wood together while an adhesive, like wood glue, is allowed to set


Marking tools


Wood is marked for cutting, using specific measurements. Tools used for marking wood include: • carpenter’s pencil • scriber • compass/divider


Measuring tools


These are the recommended instruments for measuring wood, but any other measuring instrument can be used that contains appropriate units. • steel tape: 3 m retractable • steel rule: 300 mm or 500 mm


162 Tools for Technology


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