Materials machines and tools in machine carpentry
The wood, the sheet materials and the machines that form them
In machine carpentry, the material and machine are two sides of the same coin: you choose the machine and approach based on which material you have and what it should become. If you understand the material, you use the machines more wisely.
§Wood and its nature
Solid wood has fibres that run in one direction and it absorbs and releases moisture so it 'works' — shrinks and expands with air humidity. This means joints must be made with space for movement and wood must be stored and processed with this in mind. Different wood types have different hardness strength and appearance and the choice depends on what the part will be used for.
§Sheet materials
Much modern production uses sheet materials — panels composed of wood in various forms, often with a surface. They are stable and uniform and well-suited to cabinets, kitchens and furniture in series. They place different demands than solid wood: edges must be treated, and you must know how the panel responds to milling and drilling. Knowing the difference between materials is crucial for a good result.
Materials and what they are used for
| Material | Usually used for |
|---|---|
| Solid wood | Furniture, windows, doors and items with visible wood |
| Sheet materials | Sheet metal furniture, cabinets and kitchens in series |
| Veneer | Beautiful surfaces on sheet materials |
| Lim | Strong, durable joints |
| Surface treatment | Protection and appearance on the finished part |
§The machines come to the workshop
Machine room angle grinders and impact tools make noise loudly. Persistent noise can cause permanent hearing damage and vibrations from hand tools can over time stress hands and arms. Therefore you use hearing protection consistently and you learn to choose tools and working positions that reduce stress.
§CAD/CAM and programming
A growing part of the tool is not physical but digital: programs for drawing the part (CAD) and for converting the drawing into the machine's movements (CAM). Being able to draw plan and program is today just as much part of the trade as being able to use a plane. The computer has become one of the carpenter's most important tools.
§Machine and tool care
Sharp and well-maintained tools give better results wear less on the machine and are safer to use. Dull cutters and saws tear in wood get hot and can throw material. Therefore tool and machine maintenance is not a break from work — it is part of it. A workshop culture with order and care delivers both better quality and fewer accidents.
“The machine is self-propelled (motor/battery-powered propulsion) AND has mechanical lifting of the load along at least one vertical mast.”