Short term training module for

Basic Wood working Technology

Based on September 2021 occupational standard

Module Title: Producing wood Furniture

Module code: IND WWT2 M03 0523
Nominal duration: 120 Hours

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Introduction to the Module

In wood working technology field, produce wood furniture is very important for the overall
wood product industries. It helps to know basic wood working concepts, methods of production
of furniture and assembling procedure of wood and wooden product furniture.
Due to the dynamic nature of most furniture today, the technology is producing multipurpose
and space saving furniture so to compete the market applying standard production procedure of
furniture production vital role for the industries.
This module is designed to meet the wood working industry requirement under the wood
working technology occupational standard, particularly for the unit of competency: produce
wood furniture.
This module covers the units:

 wood furniture component Production


Produce wood furniture component
 Assembling wood furniture components
 Assemble wood furniture components
 Applying hardware and fixtures
 Apply hardware/ fixtures
Training Objective of the Module

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This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
 Standard sizes of wood furniture
 Working drawing
 Quantities and cost estimation
 Measuring and marking
 Sizing and shaping
 Furniture production procedure
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Identify and understand sizes of wood furniture
 Read and interpret Working drawing
 measure and mark out furniture components
 cut to size and shape of furniture component parts based on design
 Estimate approximate quantities and cost based on the given working drawing
 Apply production procedure

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1.1. Standard sizes of wood furniture

Standards of furniture construction

Furniture must be built to standard sizes in order to serve their purpose. It an item of a
cabinet is satisfactorily its function. It is essential that its shape and size is related to the
badly characteristics of the intended uses .This called anthropometry

Living Room Standard Furniture Sizes

 Armchair: 900mm x 950mm

 Two seat sofa: 1500mm x 950mm
 Three seat sofa: 2100mm x 950
 Coffee table small: 750mm x 750mm
 Coffee table large: 1000mm x 500mm
 Round coffee table: 750 mm diameter
 Desk: 1500mm x 750mm
 Office chair: 450mm x 500mm
 Small TV unit: 220mm x 650mm
 Small storage unit: 500mm x 1000mm
 Medium storage unit: 500mm x 1500mm
 Large storage unit: 500mm x 2000mm

Dining Room Standard Furniture Sizes

 Dining table for 10: 2600mm x 900mm
 Dining table for 8: 1950mm x 900mm
 Dining table for 6: 1500mm x 900mm
 Round dining table for 6: 1200mm diameter
 Round dining table for 4: 1100mm diameter
 Dining table for 4: 100mm x 100mm
 Dining table for 4: 1350mm x 750mm
 Dining table for 2: 750mm x 750mm

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  Dining Chair: 450mm x 450mm
 Bar stool: 350mm

Bedroom Standard Furniture Sizes

 Single bed: 970mm x 1910mm

 Double bed: 1350mm x 1910mm
 King size bed: 1930mm x 1910mm
 Bedside table: 450mm x 450mm
 Chest of drawers: 1000mm x 500mm
 Wardrobe: 1200mm x 600mm
 Dressing table: 1350mm x 450mm
 Coat: 650mm x 1250mm

1.2. Working drawing

Principle of designing cabinet

In designing cabinet the following must be considered.

 Purpose –function
 Strength size and proportion
 Shape appearance –aesthetic
 Time and cost –production

A working drawing may consist of various drawings prepared by a designer to illustrate and
explain details of the component parts of an artifact or a system he or she has designed. The
details may include:

 Types of materials and fittings;

 Shapes and sizes of materials;
 Estimates for quantity and cost materials and fittings;
 Instructions for construction or manufacture.

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Generally, a working drawing consists of two parts:

A. A detailed working drawing;

The detailed working drawing as the name implies, is a drawing that shows the details of every
Single component part of the artifact / system.

The primary purposes of the detailed drawing are:

 To outline the shape of the object;

 To provide a size description (it indicates the dimensions of the object);
 To describe the types of material(s) to be used for its manufacture;
 To provide any additional information required for construction or manufacture.

Figure: 1.1.Detail working drawing

B. Assembly working drawing.

An assembly drawing illustrates how the individual components fit together to make a complete
unit. It is drawn pictorially.

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 Figure: 1.2.Assembling drawing

(Including an 'exploded isometric' or perspective view). The main functions are:

 To provide description of the shape of the assembled unit;

 To identify each component part of the unit;
 To indicate the relative position of each component part of the unit;
 To supply a list of the parts;"
 To act as a source of reference Information.

1.3. Quantities and cost estimation

1.3.1. Bill of Materials and Cut List
Once the working drawings have been completed, a bill of materials can be generated. It
typically includes the name and quantity of each part, its symbol from the drawings (A,B,C, …),
dimensions (thickness, width, length), and the type of wood or sheet stock to be used. Unit and
total cost information may also be included. A separate bill of materials can be created for
supplies and hardware such as glue, screws, nails, sandpaper, finish, and hinges.

1.3.2. Preparation of a Cutting List

A cutting list is a summary of the materials required to make an artifact or system. It is compiled
by taking the sizes of individual members from the working drawing. Generally, the individual
members of the various units for example, carcass, doors, drawers, etc. are grouped together and
listed in tabular form under the following headings:

Members: the name of the member and /or the corresponding letter on the working drawing;
Quantity: the number of each member required;

Length: the length required, stated, in millimeter or centimeters;

Width: the width required, stated in millimeter or centimeter;

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Thickness: the thickness of each member, stated in millimeters, based on planed pieces;
Material: type of material of each member and remarks regarding quality, figure, etc.

Table: 2. Cutting list sample

Type of Rough dim. In Final dim. In mm

No. Part name Qty material mm
T W L T W L
1
2
3
4
5
Total solid wood in M3
Total ply wood in M2
Total MDF IN M2

Figure: 1.3.Detail Plan used to prepare cutting list

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Table: 5. Example of simple cutting list
NO NAME OF QNT KIND OF DIMENSION
PART WOOD CUTOUT SIZE (mm) FINISHED SIZE (mm)
T W L T W L
1 Top 1 zigba 25 205 350 20 200 330
2 Rails 2 zigba 25 65 350 20 60 330
3 Leg 2 zigba 25 205 250 20 200 230
Total solid wood 0.02768
3
mm
Total Manufactured board 2
z mm

1.3.3. Costing

Costing is a very important factor in any kind of design work. An idea may be acceptable in
every other way but if it is too expensive to make or for someone to buy, then the designer has
failed in his or her task. The main cost elements associated with manufacture of products are:

 Cost of materials;
 Labor cost;
 Production cost;
 Packing and carriage;
 Overhead expenses;
 Profit

The cutting list, as well as the material list, should be used in calculating the cost (making
allowance for waste in timber, plywood, etc.), using the current prices of the items. Labor cost
will depend on the approved rate for wages. Production cost should take into account the
preparation of templates and jigs. Overhead expensive, such as light and power, depreciation
of tools and machines, and rent and rates (apportioned), should be considered.

Bill of materials: - is also called materials bill.

Bill of materials: - Is a detailed list of materials one needs to build a project.

A complete bill of materials includes both:-

 lumbers list

 supply materials list

 Lumber list:-include-finished stock list -stock cussing list of sheet of materials

such as ply wood, particle boards, solid wood.

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 The cut out size is similar to the finished size except that,it show dimension of various part
of particle with allowance of machining to finished of details.

The allowances of machine are added to-20-25 mm for length, 5-10 mm for width and - 2-5 mm
for thickness

1.3.4. Preparing cost list

 Before preparing the cost list for lumber it is necessary to determine the volume of
materials.

 The standard size sheet of plywood and manufactured board 2440*1220 mm

 The formula for calculating a square meter of plywood is:-

M2=no of pieces *length*width

Nb:- the thickness of plywood is not used in the formula to figure cost.

 The formula for calculating solid wood in m3 :-

M3=no pieces*thickness*width*length

Nb:- the thickness of used in the formula to figure cost other supply materials cost list

 Other supply materials cost list list and cost of materials such items plastics , metals ,
hardware (key ), fastening( hing , nails.....),paint and varnish ets .....

1.4. Measuring and marking

1.4.1. Preparation of pieces
Preparation consists of sawing and planning the pieces ready for setting out. A study of
the design (working drawing) will determine the amount of preparation required for each
member. Check sizes with the cutting list and drawing. The direction of grain and figure
should be noted for strength and appearance*
1.4.2. Setting out
2. Place Identification marks on members and joints, for example, letters or numbers.
3. Set out positions and shapes of joints. Mark waste with crosses. Check size from
scale drawings or mark directly from the cutting rod if one was prepared.
4. Mark the positions of grooves, rabbets, screw holes, etc.
5. Set out any shaped pieces and decorative features.
6. Mark all squaring and gauging from the face side and face edges.

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 7. Place similar members, such as rails, Stiles, legs and drawer sides, together to mark
lengths and positions of joints.
8. Make sure of the grain directions for shaped pieces, keeping short grain to a
minimum. Trace curved shapes from a template.
9. Arrange for wide boards that are liable to cup, to be set out so that tops and shelves
are always heart side up.
10. Doors and drawers are prepared and set out to fit the carcasses, therefore finish the
carcasses assembling before doors and drawers are made.

1.5. Sizing and shaping

1. Always cut on the waste side of the lines.
2. Cut waste from joints cut along the grain first and cut the Shoulders last.
3. Plane grooves and rabbets and bore holes for screws.
4. Cut shapes and decorative features, such as chamfers and moldings
5. Curved shapes, tapered legs and turned members are often difficult to hold, hence
it is usual to cut joints, bore holes or dowels, etc., before shaping.
6. Make sure Identification marks are not cut off.

1.6. Furniture production procedure

Step 1: - Interpreting Plan

You need to know not only the dimensions but what kind of materials, fixtures you're going to
put on it, kind of joinery, kind of finish you want to use because they can and will impact the
design of your finished work.
Step 2: - Preparing cutting list

Step 3: - Selection of appropriate material

Materials selection is determined by many factors i.e., design and quality requirement,
function, method of construction, availability of materials, etc. most of the time materials
used in wooden furniture construction are lumber and manufactured boards. Selection of
material is performed through visual inspection to meet their aesthetic requirement.

Step 4: - Determining tools, equipment and machines used

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 Selection of tools, equipment and machines are determined by the nature of furniture
items to be produced.

Step 5: - Machining process

The step-in machining process by itself is determined by the kind of component produced.
This may be solid wood components, laminated components, manufactured board
components and if required other materials.

Step 6: - joint layingout and joinery

Step 7: - Sanding components

Before proceeding to assembling procedure, the components are sanded by different

number of grit sand papers to make ready for assembly and finishing work.

Step 8: - Checking quality of components

The components are inspected for pre-determined standard dimension, joint quality and
smoothness to meet required standard.

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Unit Two: Assembling wood furniture components

This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
 work area preparation
 Assembling sequence
 Assembling tools and equipments
 Furniture component parts
 Hard wares ,fittings, adhesives and other attachments
 Assembling
 Quality of assembled product
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Select Suitable work area
 Planning and determine the assembling sequence
 Select Assembling tools and equipments
 Furniture component parts
 Hard wares ,fittings, adhesives and other attachments
 Complete assembling and fitting of furniture component parts
 Check the squareness, levelness and` specified tolerance

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 2.1. Work area preparation
2.1.1. Introduction

Before starting to perform any task, it’s important to choose a clean and clear working area.
Having a large, clean and open area to produce furniture makes the performance easier and
comfortable. It's a fact that employees get highly influenced by their workplace environment.

2.2. Assembling sequence

In building good cabinet the following steps are important.
 Select a good cabinet that fits gone needs.
 Select the right kind of materials
 Have the correct equipment
 Make the join an accurate layout
 Cut the parts to the correct shape
 Make the joints accurately
 Assemble carefully
 Apply the proper kind of finish

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 2.3. Furniture component assembling sequence
The assembling of components is a crucial step in the manufacturing process. The choice
of assembly method is determined by factors such as design requirements, cost, and the
materials to be used.

 There are various methods used to join and assemble wooden components. The
following procedure is the common way of assembling.

Step 1: - identify what you’re trying to assemble

Make sure you have a design/assembling manual of what your finished item of furniture
should look like.

Step 2: - Prepare Your Working Area

Assembling area should be clean and free of destructors that damage components and
discomfort the woodworker as well.

Step 3: - Use the instructions

You might think that you know better, but following the instructions will generally make
the process quicker and easier.

Step 4: - Check you have everything

Check you have everything you need before you start. Double-check your components;
ensure you have all the fixings you should have.

Step 5: - Find what tools you’ll need.

You might need to gather the necessary tools before beginning the project. Most basic
furniture assembly requires hammer, mallet, screwdrivers, measuring tape, clamps, a
water level etc.

Step 6: - Get organized

Identify the parts, group similar items together, and lay them out in an orderly manner.

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Step 7: - Try/dry- assembly

Attach parts such that joints are flush, level and/or square as appropriate as you go through
the furniture assembly process.

Step 8: - assemble components to final

There are two basic means of joining furniture components

- Permanent- Traditional construction features permanent fixing with glue and

also a mechanical fastening such as rivet, pins and nails.

- Temporary/non-permanent. More modern furniture will use knock-down

fittings so that parts can be easily replaced or flexibility in the modular
construction and aesthetic of the items.

Step 9: - Check everything is flush and tight

You should check that your furniture is secure and sturdy before you start using it.

Step 10: - store tools and equipment and clean work area.

2.4. Assembling tools and equipments

 Measuring tapes or rulers hammers
 Mallets
 Squares
 Bevels
 Chisels
 Planes
 Hand saws
 Power saws
 Power drills/screwdrivers
 Clamps/cramps
 Screwdrivers and/or spanners
 Pincers

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  Pneumatic tools, compressor and spray equipments

2.5. Furniture component parts

2.5.1. Introduction

Furniture refers to movable objects intended to support various human activities such as seating
(e.g., Chairs, Stools, and sofas), eating (tables), and sleeping (e.g., beds). Furniture is also used to
hold objects at a convenient height for work (as horizontal surfaces above the ground, such as
tables and desks), or to store things (e.g., cupboards and shelves). It can be assembled from many
components made of different materials, including wood, engineered wood products, plastic,
metal etc. Furniture can be made using a variety of woodworking joints to join components
which often reflect the local culture.

There are commonly known furniture components that almost all furniture has. This includes:

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  Top
 Bottom
 Front
 Side
 Partition
 Shelf
 Leg
 Rail
 Door
 Drawer front, side
 back

2.6. Hard wares, fittings, adhesives and other attachments

Furniture hardware refers to the sliding rails, hinges, couch legs, lifters, backrests, springs, gun
nails, foot codes, connections, activities, fastenings, baskets, and embellishments that are used on
furniture. It's also referred to as furniture assembly.
A. Hinges
A hinge is a machine element that connects two bodies allowing angular movement about a fixed
axis of rotation, all the while preventing translations and rotations on the remaining two axes.

2.1. Assembling
2.1.1. Introduction

Many everyday products, such as furniture, appliances, and toys, require assembling after
components are produced effectively. Included with each product is a set of instructions showing
how to put it together. For modular product lines, such as customizable office furniture, many
different versions of the instructions are necessary. As the number of customizable products and
demand for task specific instructions increase, technology will be needed to produce instructions
more cost effectively. Already there is a high incidence of poorly designed and out of date
instructions.

The problem is that it is difficult and expensive to design assembly instructions that are easy to
understand and follow. Since the instruction design process has not been systematized, skilled
human designers are needed to produce good instructions. As a result, the process of producing
instructions is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Computer support is currently limited to

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replacing low-level tools such as pen and paper. Most high-level design decisions are still made
by human designers. The two primary tasks in designing assembly instructions are:

Planning: Most objects can be assembled in a variety of ways. The challenge is to choose a
sequence of assembly operations that will be easy for users to understand and follow.

Presentation: There are many ways to depict assembly operations. The challenge is to convey
the assembly operations clearly in a series of diagrams.

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Unit Three: Hardware and Fixture

This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content

coverage and topics:

 Hardware and fixture

 Hardware and fixture joining and installing process

This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.

Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:

 Apply hardware and fixture on furniture products

 joining and installing Hardware and fixtures

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 1.1. Hardware and fixtures
1.1.1. How to choose hinge
 Which type of hinge is best to suited to your Application?
 How large of a hinge will you need?
 Where on the door should they be placed?
 What is the most appropriate mounting configuration?
 Aare there any special features you’d like to have?

3.2. Hardware/fixtures Joining, and installing process

The steps in installing hardware are as follows;
Step1. Choose the correct size and kind of hard wares.
Step2. Find the positions of the hard ware according to working drawing.
Step3.Determine the distance of the hardware’s will be set on the face, edge and end
of furniture.
Step4.Extend the marks on the edge or at the required position with sharp pencil and
try square.
Step5.Cut out a place where marked for the installation of hard wares.
Step6.Place the hard ware in its correct position and make the positions of the holes
for the screws with a pencil.
Step7.Drill pilot holes in to the wood that smaller than the size of the screws.
Step8. Drive the screws with the screw driver to fasten the hardware firmly.

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