WOOD AND ITS DERIVATIVES

IES LA ERÍA

2nd ESO
 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

INDEX
 Introduction.
 Wood and its composition.
 Properties of wood.
 The manufacturing process of wood.
 Classification of natural wood.
 Derivatives of wood.
 Working with wood: techniques and tools.

INTRODUCTION

Wood is the oldest material used by humans for

constructing objects; several tools were made using stone
and later using wood and stone. There are many reasons
for using wood, for furniture,
architecture, structural applications,
etc. It is warm and a beauty
material, each grain pattern is a
unique masterpiece of design and
texture. Even what some may view as a defect, like a knot or
other natural blemishes, can add more beauty and character to
any given piece of furniture.

WOOD AND ITS COMPOSITION

Wood is a vegetable raw material obtained from trees and bushes. It has a complex
chemical nature, but we can say that is mainly composed of cellulose fibres and
lignin which make the fibres hard and rigid.

The following picture shows the cross section of a tree trunk and its parts:

 Bark is exterior layer that protects the plant made of death cells.
 Cambium is a thin layer of live cells where growth takes place.
 Sapwood is a recent growth layer. It is softer and has a lighter colour then
heartwood and pith. It is used for more artistic woodwork.
 Heartwood is the hardest, driest and darkest part. It is the best for woodwork.

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

 Pith is the central part of the trunk. It is not very resistant and it is not
generally used.

When a tree is cut down you can see the rings (concentric circles), the number or
rings usually indicate the age of the tree.

PROPERTIES OF WOOD

Wood has excellent properties so it is widely used. Because wood is a biological

material, it is subject to variations in structure or properties due to growth
characteristics of the tree, the age of the tree, the type of ground, the part of the tree
trunk used, etc. Without considering those factors, wood usually has the following
properties:

 It is economically available.
 It is permeable; wood can absorb or emit liquids or gases because it has tiny
holes called pores.
 It is easy to work with.
 It is easily machinable. Remember that machinability refers to the ease with
which a material can be cut (machined) permitting the removal of the material
with a satisfactory finish at low cost.
 Its hardness depends on the type of wood but in general is hard but can be
penetrated by objects such as screws or nails.
 It is less dense than water, so it floats.
 It is a good electrical and heat insulator but it burns easily.
 It is a good acoustic conductor.
 It is a renewable and biodegradable resource but it is available in limited
amount.
 It has a good mechanical resistance against: it is resistant to tension,
compression or bending (it can be bended in the direction of its fibres
without breaking).

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

Activity 1. Fill the text using the following words: card, raw material, renewable,
fuel, light, construct, trees, lignin, paper, noise, cellulose and vegetable.

Wood is a _________________________________ of ______________ origin. It is a

fibrous and hard material found under the bark of _________ and bushes. Wood is
composed of __________ fibers which is like the skeleton of plants and ________,
which made it hard and rigid. It is one of the most used materials due to the following
characteristics:
 It is abundant and ____________________ due to its vegetable origin.

 It is easy to work with so it does not require complicated processes.

 Is resists weights; it is ____________ so it floats in water and isolate

from cold and warm weather as well as from _____________.

Each year more than half of the wood it is used as __________ (mainly in developing
countries) and to produce electricity. The rest it is used to ______________ buildings
and to make furniture and several objects.

Activity 2. What are the rings of a tree trunk? What indicate wider rings?

Activity 3. What factors have an influence on the properties of a tree?

THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF WOOD

Before wood from a tree can be used, it must be taken from the forest and
transformed into a usable material.

Activity 4. The process of getting wood consists of the following parts: transport
logging, pruning, debarking, drying and cutting. Sort them on the following sentences:
1. __________: the act of cutting the trunk of the tree so that is falls to the
ground.
2. __________: branches are removed so that the tree trunk (log) is clean.
3. __________: logs are taken to the sawmill using different means of
transport (road, rail, sea or rivers) depending on the terrain (if it has
mountains, rivers, etc.) and the available infrastructure.
4. __________: the bark is removed.
5. __________: logs are cut or processed to obtain beams, planks, boards,
sheets, strips, etc.
6. __________: the quantity of water is reduce to it does not change shape
with changes in temperature. There are two ways of doing it: natural drying

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

(consists of stacking the Wood so that sufficient space is left between the
pieces of wood for air to circulate); artificial drying (consist of circulating hot
air in the space between the pieces of wood inside warehouse). Artificial
drying is faster but more expensive.
The manufacturing process of wood consists of the following steps:

CLASSIFICATION
OF
WOODS

NATURAL WOODS WOOD DERIVATIVES

Hardwoods Softwoods Manufactured Cellulose

cherry, oak... pine, spruce,… boards materials

Plywood Chipboard Fibreboard Paper Cardboard

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

CLASSIFICATION OF NATURAL WOOD

The classification of wood divides them into hard and soft, referring to a botanical
difference rather than to any definite degree of hardness. The two groups differ in cell
structure, appearance and general properties.

From a botanical point of view, hardwood trees have broad, flat leaves that fall off
after maturity. The softwood trees have needle or scale-like leaves which they retain
all year; they are the evergreens. Most hardwoods are stronger and less likely to dent
than the softwoods; they also hold nails and screws more securely.

These terms can be confusing since some leaf bearing trees can have very
softwood and some coniferous trees can have very hardwoods.

Knowing wood’s hardness is crucial to select the appropriate

wood for each purpose. The harder the chosen material, the greater
resistance to knocks abrasions and general wear and tear over time.
The Brinell´s test is used to measure the wood’s hardness and
resistance to dents – a form of wear and tear. This test calculates
the hardness by measuring the depth of the indentation left by a
steel ball (of a defined diameter) when pressed with a force (F)
during a specific length of time.

From this mechanical point of view wood can be classified into very soft, soft,
semi-hard, hard and very hard. You can see some examples on the following picture:

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

Ve ry so ft S o ft S e m i- h ard H ard Ve ry h ard

H a ya
Chopo A b e to N o ga l C er ez o
T ilo A bedul C a sta ñ o A rce Ébano
Sa u ce A liso P e ra l R o b le Bo j
Ba ls a P in o Caoba Te jo E n cin a
Okum e Fre sn o
Te ca

On the following picture you can see different woods and different grains and colours:

Activity 5. Complete the following sentences:

a. A la propiedad que permite que una madera pueda doblarse se la denomina
_________________________.

b. La ______________________ es la relación que existe entre el peso y el

volumen de una madera.

c. El secado natural consiste en:

d. De la corteza del _____________________ se extrae un material poroso y

ligero llamado ______________________________.

e. De la savia de ciertos árboles tropicales se extrae una goma elástica llamada

________________.

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

DERIVATIVES OF WOOD
Derivatives of wood are made from sheet, chips or fibres of wood which are
compressed and glued together. These derivatives include artificial boards and
cellulose materials.

The characteristics of artificial boards are:

 They are available in a wide variety of sizes and finishes.
 They are less expensive than natural wood.
 They are not affected by parasites.
 They are easy to work with.

The most commonly used artificial boards are:

Cellulose materials are made from the cellulose of the wood and are they are used to
make paper and cardboard.

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

WOOD WORKING TECHNIQUES

WOOD WORKING TECHNIQUES

Making objects involves a series of steps:

Shaping Joining Finishing

Process that give Process that join all Process that give a
the pieces the right the pieces that had been finish to protect the
shape. previously shaped pieces.

Type of operations Type of operations Type of operations

Removable joints:
 Screwing (nuts &
bolts)
 Measuring & marking
 Assembling  Sanding
 Cutting & sawing
 Polishing
 Planing
Permanent joints:  Painting
 Drilling
 Gluing  Varnishing
 Filing
 Nailing
 Screwing (self-
tapping screws)

Tools used Tools used Tools used

 Ruler
 Tape measure
 Hammer /mallet
 Gauge
 Spanner
 Carpenter´s square  Sander (sandpaper)
 Screwdriver
 Saw  Brush
 Pincers
 Files / planes  Scrapper
 Bench vice
 Chisel / gouge
 Bar clamp
 Drill
 Glue gun
 Gimlet
 Hammer / pincers

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

TÉCNICAS PARA EL TRABAJO DE LA MADERA

El proceso de fabricación de objetos se desarrollo según una serie de etapas:

Conformado Unión Acabado

Proceso que permite
Proceso de Proceso final que
que distintas piezas
preparación que permite que las piezas
conformadas se unan
permite dar la forma adquieran su aspecto
para formar un
adecuada a las piezas. definitivo.
conjunto.

Tipos de Tipos de Tipos de

operaciones operaciones operaciones
Uniones desmontables:
 Atornillado (tornillo-
tuerca)
 Medida y trazado
 Ensamblado  Lijado
 Aserrado y corte
 Pulido
 Cepillado
Uniones fijas:  Pintado
 Taladrado
 Encolado o pegado  Barnizado
 Limado
 Clavado
 Atornillado
(tirafondos)

Herramientas Herramientas Herramientas

empleadas empleadas empleadas
 Regla
 Metro  Martillos/mazas
 Gramil  Llaves
 Lijadoras (papel de
 Escuadra  Destornilladores
lija)
 Sierras/serruchos  Tenazas
 Brochas
 Limas/cepillos  Tornillos de banco
 Espátulas
 Formones/gubias  Sargento
 Taladro  Pistola
 Barrena termoencoladora
 Martillos/tenazas

Activity 6. Classify the following tools: handsaw, bench vice, gimlet, carpenter´s
square, rasp, hammer, bar clamp, ruler, tenon saw, file, mallet, drill, glue gun,
scissors and fret saw.

Tools for…
Cutting or
bracing hitting measuring gluing drilling Planning
sawing

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On the following picture you can see some examples of removable and permanent
joints:

Activity 7. The process of getting wood can be represented by the following pictures.
Number the pictures of the following table in the correct order, write the name and
give a brief explanation of each step:

Operation number: …………… Name: ……………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Operation number: …………… Name: ……………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Operation number: …………… Name: ……………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

Operation number: …………… Name: ……………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Operation number: …………… Name: ……………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Operation number: …………… Name: ……………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Operation number: …………… Name: ……………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Activity 8. Look at the wooden object and answer the following

questions.
a. What type of joint has been used?

b. Order the operations used to construct the frame:

varnishing, marking, measuring, joining, sanding, and
sawing.

Activity 9. Complete the following scheme:

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

Activity 10. Complete the following Smart Art with the name of the tools used for
each operation:

Activity 11. Label the tools and indicate the type of operation in which each one is
used:

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

INVESTIGATE
Designing a mini presentation about wood and environment
Read the following articles:
https://www.nationalgeographic.es/medio-ambiente/deforestacion
http://www.redcicla.com/madera.html
https://www.ecoagricultor.com/reciclaje-de-papel-proceso-y-beneficios-medioambientales/
Watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEnXEznX790

How could we reduce the consumption of wood and its derivatives? How can
deforestation be avoided? What does the concept “sustainable development” mean?
Look for information about those questions. Organize the information and design a
small presentation in pairs. Use Power Point online (Office 365) to design it.

LECTURA
La madera y sus propiedades térmicas y acústicas

La madera se utiliza en el recubrimiento de suelos, paredes y techos. Aunque en ocasiones

necesita someterse a tratamientos antihumedad u otros que mejoren su resistencia y
durabilidad, es un material adecuado para la mayoría de los espacios. Un estudio reciente
subraya, además, los beneficios en el entorno de sus propiedades térmicas y acústicas.
Los espacios interiores con madera generan un tiempo de reverberación menor que el que se
produce en un espacio sin madera, esto significa que hay menos ruidos y ecos, lo que mejora
la inteligibilidad. Al no resonar las palabras, la dicción es más clara, por lo que se aconseja la
instalación de madera en espacios como aulas, salones o salas de reunión.

Las características térmicas de la madera consiguen crear ambientes templados: cálidos en

invierno y más frescos en verano. Esta circunstancia se debe a las propiedades higroscópicas
de este material, es decir, a su capacidad para regular la humedad relativa y la temperatura
del entorno. La madera es capaz de absorber o ceder humedad al entorno, esta peculiaridad
ayuda a purificar el ambiente y mantener un grado de humedad óptimo.

Texto extraído de La revista Eroski Consumer

Actividades sobre la lectura:

a) Busca en el diccionario y copia la definición adecuada de todas las palabras que no
conozcas.
b) ¿Qué propiedades de la madera se mencionan directa o indirectamente en el texto?
c) Investiga: la tarima, su origen y su uso como material en la actualidad.

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 MEASURING & MARKING TOOL MEASURING & MARKING TOOL
Suitable for: CARPENTER´S SQUARE Suitable for:
METALLIC RULER All types of materials Wood, metal, plastic
Type of operation: ESCUADRA DE CARPINTERO Type of operation:
REGLA METÁLICA MEASURING & MARKING MEASURING & MARKING
(o escuadra de tacón)

A ruler is one of the most common measuring instruments. It comes in There are several types of squares made of flat steel or aluminum, the
many sizes and shapes, depending on what it is needed for The metallic carpenter’s square is actually shaped like an L.
ruler is a rectangle made of metal with a scale.

Function Function
It is used to measure and draw short lengths. It is used to check and mark angles and straight lines. The
carpenter's square allows us to check and draw 45º and 90º
angles

Rules of use Rules of use

● Place the zero end of your ruler at the end of your object. This ● To avoid errors, only use it for surfaces as long as the square.
will usually be on the left side. ● Use it on flat surfaces.
● Press it deeply to the material you are measuring. ● Pieces must be clean.
● Take care of the ruler so it cannot be damage by other tools (avoid
scratching it).
● Clean it after use.
● It can be used for marking lines with a cutter.
● It is a measuring tool so any other uses are forbidden.
 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

BRACING TOOL BRACING TOOL

BAR CLAMP Suitable for: BENCH VICE Suitable for:
Wood, metal and plastic Wood, metal and plastic
Type of operation: BRACING Type of operation: BRACING
SARGENTO (CLAMPING) TORNILLO DE BANCO (CLAMPING)

It has two parts, one fixed and the other is movable. The tail stop slides Vices have two parallel jaws, one is fixed and the other is movable. It
along the bar to the fixed head. With the screw you can clamp the piece can be threaded in and out by a screw and lever.
between the two parts

Function Function
It is used to fix pieces to the workbench.
It is used to clamp pieces to the workbench or to clamp together two
pieces that are being glued.

Rules of use Rules of use

● Take care about the pressure, too much pressure can break or deform ● When rotated anti-clockwise the handle moves the sliding jaw away
the pieces. from the stationary jaw and opens the gap between them. Then in
● Protect the pieces using remnants of wood. contrast, when rotated clockwise the handle moves the sliding jaw
● Maintain it clean and greased. closer to the stationary jaw, thus closing them together.
● Pay attention to the screw to avoid it is becoming loose. ● Take care about the pressure, too much pressure can break or deform
the pieces.
● Protect the pieces using remnants of wood.
● Maintain it clean and greased
● When work is finished leave it open.

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

TOOL CUTTING TOOL

HAMMER Suitable for: HANDSAW Suitable for:
Wood and metal Wood
MARTILLO Type of operation: HITTING SERRUCHO Type of operation: CUTTING

A handsaw has a handle of wood or plastic and a blade typically made

A hammer has a long handle with a metal or rubber head. from steel and has a number of sharp teeth running along its bottom
edge.
Function
It is used to hit, break or to modify the shape of the material. There are Function
different types depending on its use. It is used to make straight cuts on wood. There are different types
depending on the type of wood or cut to make.

ball peen (de bola) nail (de orejas) carpenter´s (de peña)

Fret saw is used to cut thin wood. A tenon saw is used to make more
precise cuts. Keyhole saw is used to make curved cuts

Rules of use Rules of use

● Use the proper hammer for each situation. ● You should mark out in pencil the lines you want to cut
● There are mallets with different heads made of wood, plastic, etc. to ● Secure the material you want to cut using a clamp or vice.
work with soft materials and to avoid leaving marks. ● Use the proper type of hand saw for the material to be cut or type of cut
● Do not use it with oily hands. to be made
● Begin cutting by starting carefully and slowly to prevent the saw blade
from jumping or binding
● Use the length of the blade during each saw stroke.
● Cut using a constant and smooth speed.
● Keep all hand-saw blades sharp and clean. Also, keep hacksaw blades
lightly oiled.
● It is a cutting tool, so take care!
● Always carry a hand saw by its handle with the saw end pointed down.
● Avoid sudden movements when sawing.

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

TOOL MACHINE
MITRE BOX Suitable for: BAND SAW Suitable for:
Wood, metal and plastic Wood and plastic
CAJA DE INGLETES Type of operation: CUTTING SIERRA DE VAIVÉN Type of operation: CUTTING

Function
A mitre box helps to cut precise 45 or 90 degree angles in small pieces of Function
wood or plastic. It is an electric saw used to cut wood and plastic. Its blade moves with a
reciprocating motion, it goes up and down. It is used to make straight,
angled or curved cuts. The blade must be chosen depending on the
material to cut.

Rules of use Rules of use

● If possible, it is always best to cut the board in a vertical position rather ● Wear protective glasses.
than laying it flat. ● Tie back long hair.
● Sometimes clamps can be used to brace the piece. ● Do not use loose clothing, remove jewellery and roll up long sleeves.
● Hold the piece firmly and keep your fingers away from the blade.
● It is a cutting tool, so take care!
● Avoid sudden movements when sawing.
● Unplug the saw if having any difficulty.
● When finishing, take care because the blade may be hot.
● Clean it after use.
● It is an individual work; nobody must be around when sawing.

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MACHINE
Suitable for: Suitable for:
DRILL Wood, metal, plastic, stone, concrete,
DRILL BIT Wood, metal, plastic, stone, concrete,
etc. etc.
TALADRO Type of operation: DRILLING BROCA Type of operation: DRILLING

Function Function
A drill is a tool fitted with a cutting tool, a drill bit, used for making holes in various Drill bits are cutting tools used to remove material to create holes. They usually
materials. The bit is gripped by a chuck at one end of the drill and rotated while have a circular cross-section. Drill bits come in many sizes and shape and can create
pressed against the material. holes in many different materials. In order to create holes drill bits are attached to a
drill, which powers them to cut through the workpiece, typically by rotation.

Rules of use and maintenance

● Mark the position of the hole.
● Select the right drill.
● Brace the piece to the table.
● Wear protective glasses.
● Tie back long hair.
● Do not use loose clothing, remove jewellery and roll up long sleeves.
● Keep your fingers away.
● Unplug the drill if having any difficulty.
● When finishing the drill, take care because the drill bit may be hot.
Rules of use and maintenance
● Clean it after use.
● Use the most appropriate drill bit according to the material to drill.
● Clean it after use.

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 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

MATERIAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

SAND PAPER Suitable for: SAFETY GLASSES Suitable for:
Wood and metal Your eyes
PAPEL DE LIJA Type of operation: SANDING GAFAS DE SEGURIDAD Type of operation: PROTECTING

Function
Sandpaper consists of sheets of paper with abrasive material glued to one Function
face. Sandpaper is used to remove material from surfaces to make them Eye protection is needed when there is a high material removal rate
smoother. (electric drilling and sawing).

There are many varieties of sandpaper depending on the number of

abrasive particles per surface: coarse, medium, fine, extra fine. The size
of the grit is identified by a number. The lower the number, the more
coarse the grit.

Rules of use and maintenance Rules of use and maintenance

● Use a sanding block for better and faster results. ● Clean them after use.
● Start with your lowest grit sandpaper to remove obvious imperfections. ● Do not be ashamed of using them, your eyes are important.
● When sanding wood, make sure you’re sanding with and not against the
grain.

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PRÁCTICA 1: IDENTIFICANDO MADERAS

A.- Realiza las siguientes actividades utilizando las muestras de madera que
te entregará el profesor:

1. Separar las muestras en maderas artificiales y maderas naturales.

2. Rellena la siguiente tabla con las maderas artificiales.

Nº de
Tipo de madera Acabado
muestra

B.- Con ayuda de las maderas naturales, contesta las siguientes preguntas:
1. ¿Qué colores tienen?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. ¿Cuáles te parecen más duras?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. ¿Cuáles te parecen más blandas?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. ¿Cuáles te parecen más densas? ¿Crees que flotarán en el agua?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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5. ¿Aprecias las diferencias entre sus vetas? ¿Cómo son esas diferencias?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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6. ¿Hay diferencias en su acabado? ¿Cuáles?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7. Sabiendo que las muestras que se te han presentado son: haya, cedro rojo,
castaño, sapelly, pino y roble, ¿podrías decir cuál es cada una?
 DEPARTAMENTO DE TECNOLOGÍA

Nº de Nº de
Madera Madera
muestra muestra
Haya Cedro rojo
Castaño Sapelly
Pino Roble

C.- Con la información obtenida hasta ahora, completa la siguiente tabla.

Nº de
Tipo de muestra
muestra

10

11

12

13

14

Apellidos y nombre: ……………………………….…………………………………………………………………

Curso: ……………………

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