Practical project work and applied skills
Practical project work and applied skills
This domain tests the integrated application of planning, marking, cutting, jointing, assembly and finishing to complete a project accurately and safely.
Core rules
- Work from a drawing and cutting list. Check all dimensions before cutting; mark face side and face edge on every part.
- Sequence: prepare material, plane to size, mark out, cut joints, dry-fit, assemble, check square, finish, clean down.
- Dry-fit the whole project before glue. Number mating parts. Glue in stages-carcass first, then frames, then drawers or doors.
- Check square with diagonals; check twist with winding sticks; check level and fit.
- Finish after assembly where possible, but pre-finish surfaces that will be inaccessible.
- Keep a progress record and inspect work against the specification.
Worked example
A small wall shelf: mark sides with face edges, cut housings for the shelf, dry-fit, check diagonals, glue and clamp. Check square before the glue sets; adjust with a diagonal clamp if needed. Fit a back panel to prevent racking. Sand to 180 grit, remove dust, apply finish. Reasoning: dry-fitting finds errors before glue; checking diagonals ensures the carcase is rectangular; the back adds rigidity.
Traps
Cutting all parts before checking one; gluing before dry-fit; over-tightening clamps and distorting the carcase; sanding through veneer; finishing over glue lines; skipping the final square check.