The Safer Merthyr Tydfil Woodwork project is a woodworking enlightenment programme, designed to teach the safe use of hand tools, battery operated power tools and general woodworking skills through a sequence of projects.
Through the sequence of woodworking tasks, the class gain the skill and competence to complete increasingly more complicated projects.
From a simple wooden boat and bird-house through to more complicated garden furniture, the class gain quality experiences in craftsmanship and as a result are empowered by the hands-on experience.
The skills are taught with the expectation that the class members have little, or no previous knowledge of woodworking and will be introduced gradually.
As they progress through the manufacture of the varied projects, focus is usually maintained as on completion the finished project will be taken home by each member of the class.
The class is taught using basic, but more than adequate hand-tools and battery powered drills. The work-stations are portable workbenches.
Safety
Safety when woodworking is of paramount importance and any risk associated with it will be carefully taught with this in mind, so class members will remain safe throughout the duration of the class.
Tools used on the course:
Handsaws- fine and heavy duty Set of wood-chisels Combination square Marking gauge Selection of screwdrivers Spirit level Number 4 plane Coping saw Battery powered drills Selection of wood-drills and flat-bits
Project A
Garden Planter
A garden planter project that takes a lot of concentration as it consists of 16 cross-halving joints. The project looks very impressive when completed.
Tools used: Joints used:
Measuring tape Cross-halving joint. Handsaw Combination square 25mm chisel Battery-drill Hammer 5mm wood-bit 13mm flat-bit
Project B
Bird Table
A quite difficult project consisting of various angle cuts of rough sawn timber jointed at the base and top of stand. The project consists of a lot of sawing and the use of a measuring tape.
Tools used: Joints used:
Measuring tape Cross-halving joint Combination square 25mm chisel Marking gauge Battery-drill 4mm wood-drill
Project C
Flower Pot Man
A simple fun project that is usually undertaken after lunch as a break from the ‘Planter’ project. Made mostly from off-cuts, the project requires accurate drilling.
Tools used: Joints used:
Measuring tape Simple butt Handsaw Combination square Battery drill 10mm flat-bit 3.5mm wood-bit
Project D
OXO Board Game
Another project that looks simple but requires accurate marking and cutting of intricate joints.
Tools Used: Joints Used:
Measuring tape Cross-halving Battery-drill Handsaw 4mm drill-bit Combination square Marking gauge
Project E
Step-up Stool
A project consisting of a lot of sawing with the wood grain and the need for accurate marking out. The project consists of 12 halving joints.
Tools used: Joints used:
Tape Halving joints Saw Drill 25mm chisel Marking gauge Combination Square
Project F
Flowerpot Holder
A project that consists of a variety of sizes of timber, joints and angle cuts. Although rustic in style, the project requires accurate marking and cutting.
Tools used: Joints used:
Saw Halving Marking gauge Housing Drill 25mm chisel Tape Combination Square
Project G
A Garden Pixie Chair
Another project that requires ‘with-grain’ sawing and consisting of numerous halving and housing joints.
Tools Used: Joints Used:
Tape Halving Saw Housing Marking gauge 25mm chisel Combination square Drill
Project H
Garden Wishing Well
A busy little project that consists of numerous and various joints, difficult angle cuts and accurate marking. A very effective project when completed.
Tools used: Joints used:
Saw Halving Combination square Cross halving 25mm Chisel Housing Tape Drill and various bits Marking gauge