The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Distance learning course of 5 units

When a person becomes interested in carpentry and joinery, he joins millions of crafts people who enjoy the practical and therapeutic benefits of creating useful projects from natural materials. The very nature of creating a useful article from raw wood provides a feeling of useful activity.

Wood is only a board when it is in its raw state. However, with the application of creative attention the raw material may evolve into an exclusive piece of furniture, a wooden toy, or many other objects.

The professional intent is to create quality objects and this is far from over. Many woodworkers produce items which are one-off and exclusive, and on a commercial basis these items enjoy high prices.

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included

All study materials

Study Guide

Full Tutor and Admin support

Safety, Material and Small Tools
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

Explain why flex tapes are popular measuring instruments and introduce other ways they can be used.

Identify the importance of workshop uniform/protective clothing and describe acceptable working conditions.

Define the four attributes of wood and show the name the different hardwoods and softwoods.

Describe a Particle board giving its advantages and disadvantages.

Sawing and Planing
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

Explain the terms �crowning� and �tensioning�.

Describe the following types of saws: rip saw, back saw, and dovetail saw.

Small Tools
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

Discuss the following chisels showing what they are best used for: the firmer chisel, the bevelled-edge firmer chisel, the paring chisel, and the all-steel wood chisel.

Summarise how a file is used and the manner in which they should be cared for.

Investigate rules to follow when drilling.

Hammers, Screwdrivers and Miscellaneous Accessories
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

Examine the following hammers and state the purpose for which they are used: the claw hammer, the tack hammer and a mallet.

Describe the characteristics of three types of adhesive that could be used in a woodwork shop.

Introduce the various types of sandpaper that can be used to finish off a project and state the use of each type of sandpaper.

Joints and Projects
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

Discuss the method of making a butt joint using dowels for reinforcement.

Explain how mitre joints are formed, their purpose and how they can be reinforced.