Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
TOOLS AND MACHINES IN WOODWORK INDUSTRY
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TOOLS AND MACHINES IN WOODWORK INDUSTRY
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7
Grade code: 2.4.1.LI.4
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.4.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.4.1.LI.4
Theme: WOOD TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: TOOLS AND MACHINES IN WOODWORK INDUSTRY
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This lesson focuses on the essential practices of caring for and maintaining woodwork tools and machines. In Ghana, from the local carpenter in our communities like Kokompe or Anloga Junction to large-scale furniture companies, the quality of work, the safety of the artisan, and the profitability of the business depend heavily on well-maintained equipment. A sharp saw cuts cleanly, a well-oiled machine runs smoothly, and a properly stored tool lasts for years. This lesson will equip you with the knowledge to extend the life of your tools, improve your work, and ensure a safe working environment.
This section breaks down the essential knowledge needed to master tool and machine maintenance. Part A: General Principles of Tool and Machine Care
Maintenance can be broken down into a few core ideas that apply to almost every tool or machine in the workshop. Keep it Clean: Sawdust, resin (from woods like Odum), and moisture are the biggest enemies. Why? Sawdust can clog moving parts and air vents, causing overheating. Moisture combined with wood dust creates an acidic mix that causes rust and corrosion. How? Use a brush, rag, or compressed air (with caution) to clean tools and machines after every use. Keep it Sharp: This applies to all cutting edges (saws, chisels, plane irons, planer knives). Why? A dull tool is dangerous. It requires more force to use, which can lead to slips and accidents. It also produces poor quality work (tearing, burning wood) and puts extra strain on machine motors. How? Regular sharpening using appropriate stones, files, or grinders. For complex machines, blades may need professional sharpening. Keep it Lubricated: Moving parts create friction. Friction creates heat and wear. Why? Lubrication reduces friction, prevents wear and tear, and protects against rust. How? Apply light machine oil or grease to specified points like bearings, gears, and adjustment screws. Avoid over-lubricating, as it attracts dust. Keep it Calibrated and Aligned: Machines must be set up correctly to produce accurate work. Why? Misaligned fences or tables on saws and planers lead to inaccurate cuts, wasted wood, and can be dangerous (e.g., causing kickback on a table saw). How? Use precision tools like a try square or combination square to regularly check that fences are 90 degrees to the table, and blades are parallel to the miter slots. Store it Properly: A tool's life is significantly affected by how it is stored. Why? Improper storage leads to rust, damaged cutting edges, and lost parts. How? Hand tools should be stored in a dry toolbox or on a wall rack, not piled on top of each other. Cutting edges should be protected. Machines should be covered when not in use for long periods. Part B: Specific Maintenance for Hand Tools
| Tool Type | Examples | Care and Maintenance Procedures | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Measuring & Marking Tools | Try Square, Marking Gauge, Steel Rule | - Wipe clean after use. - Apply a light coat of oil to steel parts to prevent rust. - Avoid dropping them, as this can affect their accuracy. - Store flat or hang up. | | Hand Saws | Tenon Saw, Crosscut Saw, Rip Saw | - Clean the blade with a rag and methylated spirit to remove resin. - Apply a thin layer of oil to the blade to prevent rust. - Store by hanging up or with a blade guard. - Have the teeth sharpened and set by a professional when they become dull. | | Chisels & Gouges | Firmer Chisel, Bevel-edge Chisel, Mortise Chisel | - Keep the cutting edge sharp using an oilstone. - Keep the handle clean and check for cracks. - Store with a plastic cap over the tip or in a dedicated tool roll to protect the edge. | | Planes | Jack Plane, Smoothing Plane | - After use, retract the blade, wipe the sole (bottom surface) clean, and apply a light coat of wax or oil to prevent rust. - Keep the blade (iron) razor-sharp. - Periodically disassemble, clean all parts, and oil the adjustment mechanisms. | Part C: Specific Maintenance for Woodwork Machines
Safety First: ALWAYS disconnect the machine from the power source before performing any maintenance or cleaning. The Circular Saw (Table Saw) Function: Primarily used for making straight cuts (ripping and cross-cutting) in wood. Maintenance Procedures: Daily (Before Use): Visual Inspection: Check for loose nuts, bolts, or damaged parts. Safety Guards: Ensure the riving knife, blade guard, and anti-kickback pawls are in place and working correctly. Blade: Check that the blade is tight and free of cracks or missing teeth. Table Surface: Wipe the surface clean of dust and debris. Weekly: Cleaning: Use a brush and vacuum or compressed air to clean sawdust from the inside of the cabinet and the motor housing. Alignment Check: Use a square to check that the blade is 90° to the table (for a vertical cut) and parallel to the miter slot. Check that the fence is parallel to the blade. Monthly/Periodically: Lubrication: Lightly oil the blade tilt and height adjustment gears (the trunnions). Blade Cleaning: Remove the blade and clean off built-up wood resin using a specialized resin remover or oven cleaner. A clean blade cuts better and cooler. Belt Check: Check the drive belt for signs of wear or cracking and ensure it has the correct tension. The Surface Planer (Jointer) Function: Used to create a flat, true face and one square edge on a piece of timber. Maintenance Procedures: Daily (Before Use): Visual Inspection: Check that the cutter head guard is in place and moves freely. Tables: Wipe the infeed and outfeed tables clean. A coat of paste wax helps wood slide smoothly. Fence: Ensure the fence is locked securely and is square to the tables. Weekly: Cleaning: Thoroughly clean all sawdust from around the cutter head and from the dust extraction port. Knives Check: (POWER OFF!) Carefully inspect the planer knives for nicks or dullness. Dull knives will tear the wood instead of cutting it. Monthly/Periodically: Knife Maintenance: Knives must be sharpened or replaced when dull. This is a critical task that requires precision. They must all be set to the exact same height. Lubrication: Lubricate the moving parts for table height adjustment. Table Alignment: Ensure the infeed and outfeed tables are parallel to each other (co-planar). The Band Saw Function: A versatile saw used for cutting curves, circles, and re-sawing timber into thinner slabs. Maintenance Procedures: Daily (Before Use): Blade Check: Inspect the blade for any cracks or kinks. Check the blade tension – it should be taut but not overly tight. Guards: Ensure all wheel guards and blade guards are in place. Weekly: Cleaning: Open the wheel covers and clean out all the accumulated sawdust from inside. This is crucial for proper blade tracking. Blade Guides: Check the blade guide blocks or bearings. They should be very close to the blade (the thickness of a piece of paper) but not touching it. Adjust if necessary. Monthly/Periodically: Tyre Check: Inspect the rubber tyres on the wheels. If they are cracked or worn, they need to be replaced, as they help the blade track correctly. Lubrication: Oil the guide post adjustment mechanism and tensioning screw. Wheel Alignment: Check that the top and bottom wheels are aligned on the same plane (co-planar).