Wood

Question 1

What is softwood?

Answer 1

Woods from Coniferous Trees (Evergreen),
They Grow faster than Hardwoods (cheaper),
Grow tall and straight (easier for manufacturers to cut)

Question 2

What is Hardwood?

Answer 2

Woods from Deciduous Trees (Lose leaves in winter),
Grow Slower (more expensive)

Question 3

What are examples of natural woods?

Answer 3

Ash, Birch, Oak, Pine, Mahogany

Question 4

What are examples of manufactured woods?

Answer 4

Blockboard, Chipboard, Hardboard, Plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)

Question 5

What are different softwoods used for?

Answer 5

Scott’s Pine- DIY & cheap furniture

Parana Pine- Good quality, knot free furniture e.g. doors & stair cases

Question 6

What are different hardwoods used for?

Answer 6

Beech- furniture, toys & tool handles
Oak - high class furniture, boats, beams for buildings, veneers
Mahogany - expensive indoor furniture, shop fittings, bars, veneers
Ash - tool handles

Question 7

What are the ‘3 Fs’

Answer 7

Felled
Formed
Finished

Question 8

What happens during the felling process?

Answer 8

Bark is removed
Trunk is either Slab or Quarter Sawn
The wood is the Seasoned (Dried to it make stronger)

Question 9

What happens during the forming process?

Answer 9

The wood then:
Has its edges smoothed (planned square edge) OR
Is not smoothed (Rough Sawn)OR
Has its edges used for skirting boards or frames for doors/picture frames(Mouldings) OR
Has thin cuts of wood glued onto other materials for a nicer appearance (Veneers)

Question 10

What happens during the finishing process?

Answer 10

Wood stain is used to enhance the appearance of the grain
Oil is used to maintain woods natural appearance
Paint is used to colour and protect wood
Polyurethane varnish used to seal and protect the surface of the wood