← Practical Woodworking syllabus

ScotlandPractical Woodworking

Construction and Machining

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How is a carcase (box) assembly made, and which joints are used to build a carcase with four or more joints?

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.
A focused answer to the SQA National 5 Practical Woodworking content on carcase construction, covering carcase joints such as the housing, rebate, reinforced butt and corner dovetail, fitting a base or back panel, and gluing and cramping a box assembly square.
12 min answer →

How is a flat-frame assembly made, and which joints are used to build a frame with four or more joints?

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.
A focused answer to the SQA National 5 Practical Woodworking content on flat-frame construction, covering frame joints such as the corner halving, mortise and tenon, dowel and bridle joint, and marking out, cutting, fitting, gluing and cramping a frame square.
12 min answer →

Which machine and power tools are used in woodworking, what is each used for, and how are they used safely?

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.
A focused answer to the SQA National 5 Practical Woodworking content on machine and power tools, covering the pillar drill, sanding machine, jigsaw, power drill, router and wood lathe, what each does, turnery, and the guards and safe-use rules for powered equipment.
11 min answer →

How is a timber surface prepared and finished, and why is a finish applied?

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.
A focused answer to the SQA National 5 Practical Woodworking content on surface preparation and finishing, covering planing, scraping and sanding through grades of abrasive, the finishes used such as varnish, wax, oil, stain and paint, and why a finish is applied for protection and appearance.
11 min answer →