β Scotland Practical Metalworking
Scotland Β· SQASyllabus
Practical Metalworking syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the Scotland Practical Metalworkingsyllabus, with a focused answer for each one. Click any dot point for a worked explainer, past exam questions, and links to related dot points. Written by Claude Opus 4.8, Anthropic's latest AI.
Bench Work
Module overview β- Which bench tools and hand processes shape metal at the bench, and how is each used safely and accurately?Bench tools and hand processes: holding work in a bench vice, cutting with a hacksaw, removing metal by filing (cross-filing and draw-filing), cutting with a cold chisel, and the correct hammers (ball pein, cross-pein and claw).12 min answer β
- How are holes drilled in metal and how are internal and external screw threads cut by hand?Drilling holes with a twist drill and countersinking, and cutting screw threads by hand: an internal thread with a tap and tap wrench, and an external thread with a die and die stock.12 min answer β
- How do you work safely in the metalwork workshop, and what protective equipment and safe practices does each process need?Health and safety in the workshop: identifying hazards, using personal protective equipment (safety glasses, apron, gloves where appropriate), guarding machines, keeping a tidy area, and following safe working practices for hot, sharp and rotating processes.12 min answer β
- How do you measure a metal workpiece and mark out shapes, holes and lines accurately before any cutting begins?Measuring and marking out: using a steel rule, engineer's try square, scriber, odd-leg (jenny) callipers, dividers and a centre punch from a datum edge to transfer a drawing onto metal accurately.12 min answer β
- What metals are used in the workshop, how are they grouped, and what properties make each one suitable for a job?Metals and their properties: ferrous metals (mild steel) and non-ferrous metals (aluminium, copper, brass), and the properties that decide their use - strength, hardness, toughness, malleability, ductility, conductivity and corrosion resistance.12 min answer β
Fabrication
Module overview β- How is a finished metal product prepared and finished, and why are surface finishes applied to metal?Finishing processes: removing sharp edges and burrs (deburring), cleaning and preparing the surface (emery cloth/abrasives), and applying a finish such as paint, lacquer or plating to protect the metal and improve its appearance.12 min answer β
- How is metal joined without heat using rivets and threaded fasteners, and how is bar and rod bent and formed to shape?Mechanical joining and forming: joining metal with rivets (including pop rivets) and threaded fasteners (nuts, bolts and machine screws), choosing temporary or permanent joints, and bending and forming bar and rod to shape.12 min answer β
- How is National 5 Practical Metalworking assessed, and what does the practical activity and its case study ask you to do?Course assessment overview: the practical activity (80 marks, 100% of the course, including a 10-mark case study) in which you plan and make a finished metal product and complete a log book, assessed by the teacher and verified by Qualifications Scotland.11 min answer β
- How is sheet metal marked, cut, folded and joined to make a product such as a box or tray?Sheet metalwork: cutting sheet with tin snips and a guillotine, bending and folding on folding bars or a bending machine, and forming joints such as a folded seam, with allowance made for the bend.12 min answer β
- How is metal joined using heat, and what is the difference between welding, brazing and soldering?Thermal joining: joining metal with heat by welding (e.g. MIG/arc), brazing and soft soldering, the difference between them (melting the parent metal versus a filler), and the safety needed for hot work.12 min answer β
Machine Work
Module overview β- How are holes drilled accurately on a machine, and how is an off-hand grinder used to shape and sharpen metal?Machine drilling on a pillar or bench drill (work clamped, correct speed, chuck and twist drill) and using an off-hand (bench) grinder to shape, deburr and sharpen tools, with the correct guards and safe practice.12 min answer β
- What is the centre lathe, what are its main parts, and what turning operations can it carry out on metal?The centre lathe: its main parts (headstock, chuck, tailstock, carriage, cross-slide and tool post) and the operations it performs - facing, parallel turning, parting, chamfering and knurling.12 min answer β