independent research techniques and methods

independent research techniques and methods

1. finishes

   • varnish
     • a transparent, hard, protective finish which is a combination of drying oil, resin and a thinner or solvent
     • advantages
       • dries very easily (in a couple of minutes)
       • does not run
     • disadvantages
       • multiple coats are needed for a good looking finish
       • does not apply a good looking finish on certain woods
   • molten bees wax
     • disadvantages
       • must wait for any underlaying finish to cure completely as the bees wax may damage this layer
       • damaged by alcohol
     • advantages
       • the most natural looking finish
       • easy and quick to apply
       • non - toxic
     • a natural wax made by bees that is melted and used as a secondary finish
   • linseed oil
     • advantages
       • oil continues to protect wood as it expands or contracts
       • water resistant
       • easy to re apply and apply
     • disadvantages
       • may not harden sufficiently
       • takes a while to dry
     • is made by pressing ripe seeds of a flax plant and added to a solvent extraction process

2. joints

   • comb
     • disadvantages
       • looks bad when used on light coloured woods
     • a comb joint is a joint that is made by cutting a set of complementary rectangular cuts in two pieces of wood which are joined together with a filler
     • advantages
       • very strong especially when reinforced with glue (PVA)
   • Dovetail
     • disadvantage
       • is the hardest joint to make as it takes years of experience to master the right way of making this joint
     • advantage
       • is the strongest joint that you can make when made right
     • the dovetail joint is made by cutting a series of pins cut to extend from the end of board interlock with a series of tails cut into the end of another board that has a trapezoidal shape
   • mitre
     • a mitre joint is a joint that is made by cutting a piece of wood at a 45 angle and joining them together
     • disadvantages
       • this joint is very weak but can be strengthened by using a spline
     • advantages
       • it is the easiest joint to make