Project Selection, Working Drawings, Cutting Lists and Bill of Materials for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Wood Work
Curriculum Theme: Project Design and Planning
Previous Lesson: Project Design and Construction
Topic: PROJECT SELECTION AND DESIGN PREPARATION OF WORKING DRAWINGS CUTTING LIST, BILL OF MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION AND APPLICATION OF FINISHES.
Subject Matter: Select projects and prepare working drawing, cutting list, bill of materials etc; Prepare preliminary free hand sketching, working drawing etc; Resources; magazines, catalogs, internet, showrooms, etc

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify suitable woodworking projects based on given criteria.
• Explain the importance of preliminary freehand sketching in project design.
• List the essential components of a working drawing.
• Define a cutting list and a bill of materials.
• State various resources for obtaining project ideas and material information.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the value of thorough planning before commencing a woodworking project.
• Develop an interest in exploring different design resources for inspiration.
• Demonstrate patience and attention to detail during the design preparation phase.

Psychomotor Domain

• Prepare a preliminary freehand sketch for a simple woodworking project.
• Draw a basic working drawing for a selected project.
• Construct a simple cutting list for a given project.
• Compile a basic bill of materials for a selected project.

Social Domain

• Collaborate with peers to brainstorm project ideas and share design resources.
• Communicate design concepts effectively using sketches and drawings.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Woodwork for Senior Secondary Schools textbooks
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Sample woodworking project ideas (pictures, actual small models)
• Drawing instruments (pencils, rulers, set squares, compasses)
• Drawing paper/sketch pads
• Sample working drawings, cutting lists, and bills of materials
• Magazines, catalogs, or printouts from the internet showing woodworking designs and materials.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is foundational for all practical woodworking activities, as it equips students with the essential skills for planning and documenting projects before construction. Proper project selection, design, and material estimation prevent waste, ensure accuracy, and lead to successful outcomes. It supports practical experience by teaching students how to translate ideas into actionable plans, which is a critical skill in vocational training and future careers.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils/students should have basic knowledge of woodworking tools, safety precautions in the workshop, and fundamental drawing techniques from previous classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PROJECT SELECTION AND DESIGN PREPARATION OF WORKING DRAWINGS CUTTING LIST, BILL OF MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION AND APPLICATION OF FINISHES.

Project Selection

Project selection involves choosing a suitable woodworking item to construct, considering various factors to ensure feasibility and success. A well-chosen project aligns with available resources, skills, and time.

Factors to consider when selecting a project:

1. Skill Level: Choose a project that matches or slightly challenges the builder’s current woodworking skills.
2. Available Tools and Equipment: Ensure the necessary tools are accessible in the workshop.
3. Material Availability and Cost: Consider the type and quantity of wood or other materials required and their affordability.
4. Time Commitment: Estimate the time needed for completion and ensure it fits within the allocated schedule.
5. Workshop Space: Verify that there is enough space to work on the project safely and efficiently.
6. Purpose or Functionality: Select a project that serves a practical purpose or meets a specific need.
7. Design Complexity: Start with simpler designs before moving to more intricate ones.
8. Safety Considerations: Identify any potential safety risks associated with the project and plan to mitigate them.

Preliminary Freehand Sketching

Preliminary freehand sketching is the initial stage of design, where ideas are quickly put on paper without the use of drawing instruments. It helps to visualise and refine concepts before formal technical drawings are made.

Importance of freehand sketching:

1. Idea Generation: Allows for rapid exploration of multiple design ideas.
2. Visualisation: Helps to see how different components might fit together.
3. Problem Solving: Identifies potential design flaws early in the process.
4. Communication: Provides a quick way to share ideas with others for feedback.
5. Flexibility: Easy to modify and adjust designs without significant effort.

Characteristics of good freehand sketches:

1. Rough and quick lines.
2. Proportional representation of parts.
3. Inclusion of basic dimensions or notes for clarity.
4. Multiple views (e.g., front, top, side) to show overall form.

Working Drawings

A working drawing is a detailed technical drawing that provides all the necessary information for manufacturing or constructing a product. It serves as a blueprint for the craftsman.

Importance of working drawings:

1. Clarity and Accuracy: Provides precise dimensions and specifications, reducing errors during construction.
2. Standardisation: Ensures consistency in production if multiple units are to be made.
3. Communication: Clearly conveys design intent to all involved parties (craftsmen, supervisors).
4. Material Estimation: Helps in accurately calculating the quantity of materials needed.
5. Assembly Guidance: Shows how different parts fit together.

Essential components of a working drawing:

1. Orthographic Views: Typically includes front, top, and side views to show all features and dimensions.
2. Isometric or Oblique View: A 3D representation to give a clearer overall visual of the finished product.
3. Dimensions: All necessary measurements (length, width, height, thickness) clearly indicated.
4. Scale: The ratio of the drawing size to the actual object size (e.g., 1:1, 1:2).
5. Material Specifications: Details about the type of wood, fasteners, and other materials.
6. Title Block: Contains information such as project name, drawing number, date, designer, and scale.
7. Cutting List Reference: Often includes a reference to the cutting list.
8. Assembly Instructions/Notes: Specific instructions or details for construction.

Cutting List

A cutting list is a detailed schedule of all individual parts required for a woodworking project, specifying their exact dimensions and quantity. It is derived directly from the working drawing.

Purpose of a cutting list:

1. Material Optimisation: Helps to cut lumber efficiently, minimising waste.
2. Accuracy: Ensures all parts are cut to the correct size.
3. Organisation: Provides a clear inventory of all components needed.
4. Time Saving: Streamlines the cutting process, as all dimensions are pre-calculated.

Information included in a cutting list:

1. Part Name: (e.g., Top, Side Rail, Leg)
2. Quantity: Number of identical pieces required.
3. Length: Exact length of the piece.
4. Width: Exact width of the piece.
5. Thickness: Exact thickness of the piece.
6. Material: Type of wood or other material for that part.
7. Remarks: Any special notes (e.g., “grain direction,” “chamfer edges”).

Bill of Materials (BOM)

A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive list of all raw materials, components, and sub-assemblies required to construct a product, along with their quantities and often their costs.

Purpose of a bill of materials:

1. Cost Estimation: Provides a clear breakdown of material costs for the entire project.
2. Procurement: Guides the purchasing of necessary materials.
3. Inventory Management: Helps track and manage material stock.
4. Project Budgeting: Essential for setting and adhering to a project budget.

Information included in a bill of materials:

1. Item Number: A unique identifier for each item.
2. Description: Detailed name and specifications of the material or component (e.g., “Mahogany Lumber, 25mm x 150mm x 2400mm,” “Wood Screws, 4mm x 30mm”).
3. Quantity: Total amount of each item required.
4. Unit of Measure: (e.g., linear metres, square feet, pieces, kilograms).
5. Unit Cost: Cost per unit of the item.
6. Total Cost: Quantity multiplied by unit cost for each item.
7. Supplier: Optional, but useful for procurement.

Resources for Project Ideas and Materials

Accessing various resources can inspire project ideas, provide design details, and help in sourcing materials.

Common resources include:

1. Woodworking Magazines: Publications like “Fine Woodworking,” “Wood Magazine,” or local craft magazines offer project plans, techniques, and material reviews.
2. Product Catalogs: Catalogs from tool suppliers, hardware stores, or timber merchants often display finished products and material options.
3. Internet: Websites (e.g., Pinterest, woodworking forums, manufacturer sites), YouTube tutorials, and online project plan databases provide a vast array of ideas and detailed instructions.
4. Showrooms and Furniture Stores: Visiting furniture showrooms or local craft fairs can provide inspiration for designs, finishes, and construction methods.
5. Textbooks and Reference Books: Woodworking textbooks contain fundamental designs, construction principles, and material information.
6. Experienced Craftsmen: Learning from experienced woodworkers can provide practical insights and project suggestions.

These planning documents (sketches, working drawings, cutting lists, and bills of materials) are crucial steps that precede the actual construction and application of finishes for any woodworking project.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall any woodworking projects they have undertaken or seen. The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining that before any actual construction begins, careful planning is essential, just like building a house requires a blueprint.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions, sharing their experiences and observations about woodworking projects.

Learning Point: Importance of project planning

Step 2: Project Selection and Resources

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the criteria for selecting a suitable woodworking project, such as skill level, available tools, materials, and time. The teacher then discusses various resources for finding project ideas and material information, displaying examples of magazines, catalogs, and internet printouts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and identify potential projects and resources relevant to their context.

Learning Point: Project selection criteria and resources

Step 3: Preliminary Freehand Sketching

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the purpose and characteristics of preliminary freehand sketching. The teacher demonstrates how to make simple freehand sketches of a basic woodworking item (e.g., a small stool or shelf), showing different views. Students are encouraged to try sketching a simple object.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and attempt to create their own freehand sketches of a simple project.

Learning Point: Freehand sketching techniques

Step 4: Working Drawings

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a working drawing and explains its importance. Using a sample working drawing, the teacher points out and explains its essential components: orthographic views, dimensions, scale, material specifications, and title block.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the sample drawing, identify its components, and ask clarifying questions.

Learning Point: Components of working drawings

Step 5: Cutting List Preparation

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a cutting list and explains its purpose in material optimisation and accuracy. Using a simple working drawing, the teacher demonstrates how to extract information to prepare a cutting list, including part name, quantity, dimensions, and material.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow the demonstration and attempt to create a basic cutting list for a simple project provided by the teacher.

Learning Point: Preparing a cutting list

Step 6: Bill of Materials Preparation

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a bill of materials (BOM) and explains its purpose in cost estimation and procurement. The teacher demonstrates how to compile a BOM from a cutting list and working drawing, including item description, quantity, unit, unit cost, and total cost.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and attempt to compile a basic bill of materials for the same simple project.

Learning Point: Compiling a bill of materials

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Mention two factors to consider when selecting a woodworking project.
2. What is the main purpose of preliminary freehand sketching?
3. List three essential components of a working drawing.
4. Differentiate between a cutting list and a bill of materials.
5. Name two resources where you can find project ideas.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of planning concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on project selection, freehand sketching, working drawings, cutting lists, and bills of materials into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating that thorough planning through project selection, sketching, working drawings, cutting lists, and bills of materials is fundamental for any successful woodworking project, laying the groundwork for construction and finishing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of planning stages

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Choose a simple woodworking project (e.g., a small bookshelf, a picture frame, a simple box). For your chosen project:

1. Prepare a preliminary freehand sketch showing at least two views.
2. Draw a basic working drawing, including main dimensions and a title block.
3. Create a cutting list for all the wooden components.
4. Compile a bill of materials, listing all necessary items (wood, fasteners, glue, finish) and their estimated quantities.

Lesson Keywords

• Project Selection – The process of choosing a suitable item to construct based on various factors.
• Freehand Sketching – Quick, unmeasured drawings used to visualise and develop design ideas.
• Working Drawing – A detailed technical drawing providing all information for construction.
• Cutting List – A schedule of all individual parts of a project with their exact dimensions.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) – A comprehensive list of all raw materials and components needed for a project.
• Resources – Sources like magazines, internet, or showrooms for project ideas and material information.

Differentiation

Support: Provide simplified project examples and pre-drawn templates for students struggling with sketching or drawing. Offer one-on-one guidance during the preparation of cutting lists and bills of materials, focusing on a very basic project. Pair weaker students with stronger ones for collaborative work.

Extension: Challenge advanced students to research and select a more complex project, requiring detailed joinery or multiple material types. Encourage them to explore different drawing projections (e.g., exploded views) or to calculate the cost implications of different wood types in their bill of materials.

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