Practical WoodworkingQ&A by dot point

Carcase construction: making a carcase (box) assembly with four or more joints, the carcase joints used (housing, rebate, butt with reinforcement, corner dovetail), fitting a base or back panel, and gluing and cramping the carcase square.

Flat-frame construction: making a flat-frame assembly with four or more joints, the frame joints used (corner halving, mortise and tenon, dowel, bridle), and marking out, cutting, fitting, gluing and cramping the frame square.

Machine and power tools: the pillar drill, sanding machine, jigsaw, power drill, router and wood lathe (turnery), what each is used for, and the guards and safe-use rules that apply to powered equipment.

Surface preparation and finishing: preparing a surface by planing, scraping and sanding (working through grades of abrasive), the finishes used (varnish, wax, oil, paint, stain) and the purpose of a finish - protection and appearance.

Overview of the course assessment - practical activity: manufacturing a product, completing a log book and answering a case study, worth 80 marks (100 per cent of the course assessment from session 2025-26), assessed by the teacher and verified by the SQA.

Hand tools and equipment used in woodworking: measuring and marking tools, saws, planes, chisels, boring tools, cramps and the bench and vice, and selecting the correct tool for each task.

Health and safety in the workshop: workshop hazards, personal protective equipment, safe use and care of hand tools, power tools and machines, dust and waste, and safe behaviour.

Marking out and measuring: working from a face side and face edge, using rules, squares, gauges, marking knives and templates to set out parts accurately, and the importance of accuracy to a well-fitting joint.

Timber and sheet materials and their properties: natural timber (hardwoods and softwoods), manufactured boards (plywood, MDF, chipboard), timber sizes, common defects, and choosing a material to suit a product.