GCSE Mocs Design Technology

Timbers and joints

Softwood

Softwood

Come from Coniferous trees so they grow quickly

Hardwood

Come from Deciduous Trees so they grow slow

Property’s of Softwoods

Typically easy to work with and less dense

Property’s of Hardwoods

Typically hard to work with and very dense

Pine

Softwood

Pine advantages

Durable, Easy to work with, Cheap and Lightweight

Pine disadvantages

Can warp, crack and splinter

Pine uses

Construction and furniture

Cedar

Softwood

Cedar Advantages

Natural oils make it resistant to water and fungal growth

Cedar disadvantages

More expensive than pine but not as strong

Cedar uses

Outdoor furniture, fences, sheds boats

Larch

Softwood

Larch Advantages

Tough, durable and resistant to water

Larch Disadvantages

Costs more than other softwoods

Larch uses

Structural components and boats

Oak

Hardwood

Oak advantages

Strong, durable and has a attractive grain when finished well

Oak disadvantages

Expensive, becoming rarer, Harder to work with, corrodes iron and steel

Oak uses

High end furniture and alcohol barrels

Mahogany

Hardwood

Mahogany Advantages

Attractive finish and easy to work with

Mahogany disadvantages

Very Expensive, Environmental issues, Can cause skin rash and breathing problems

Mahogany uses

High quality furniture and jewellery boxes

Beech

Hardwood

Beach advantages

Tough, does not crack or splinter easy and good for children

Beech disadvantages

Expensive, not resistant to moisture, not suitable for exterior use

Beech uses

Toys, Cooking implements and furniture

Balsa

Hardwood

Balsa advantages

Extremely light weight and easy to cut

Balsa disadvantages

Easily damaged due to it being soft and weak

Balsa uses

Model making, surfboard cores and historically used to make rafts

What is this joint

Half lap joint

What is this joint

Comb joint

What is this joint

Dowel joint

Mortise and tenon Joint

Dove tail Joint

What is this joint

Mortise and tenon Joint