New
New
Year 8

Batch assembly

I can work with others to assemble a batch of the same design.

New
New
Year 8

Batch assembly

I can work with others to assemble a batch of the same design.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. When assembling timbers different methods of joining are used e.g. gluing, clamping, screws and nails.
  2. When assembling timbers, different methods of joining are used, such as wooden joints.
  3. When constructing a screw joint correctly, pilot and clearance holes must used. This prevents the timber from splitting.
  4. Timber joints are the ways pieces of wood are connected or joined together to form a product or structure.

Keywords

  • Assemble - to put together parts to create a whole object

  • Joint - connections made between two or more components of material, to hold them together securely

  • Clamp - a tool used to hold pieces of timber tightly together while glue dries

Common misconception

Using a hot glue gun to join timbers for a final assembly is a durable method of joining.

Hot glue is not strong enough for a final timber assembly. It is more suitable for temporary joins, as it can weaken over time. For secure, durable joints, use screws, joints or wood glue instead.


To help you plan your year 8 design and technology lesson on: Batch assembly, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Demonstrating how to use wood glue and clamps correctly and safely to assemble components is an important task. Allowing pupils the time to build their skills in joining timbers correctly will allow the opportunity for more success when completing their batch assembly with their design teams.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Wood glue, a variety of clamps and woodworking equipment, aprons, goggles, and cleaning up equipment.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does it mean to assemble a product?
to draw it
to cut it into pieces
Correct answer: to put parts together to make the whole
to paint it
Q2.
What happens if tolerance is not used during production?
all parts will be exactly the same
the project will always be faster
Correct answer: parts may not fit together or work properly
quality control is no longer needed
Q3.
Match the example to the term it describes.
Correct Answer:+/- 2 mm,tolerance

tolerance

Correct Answer:checking product finish,quality control

quality control

Correct Answer:chart with task bars,Gantt chart

Gantt chart

Correct Answer:listing tasks by day,time planning

time planning

Q4.
Match the tool or item to its use.
Correct Answer:clamp,holds wood pieces tightly while glue dries

holds wood pieces tightly while glue dries

Correct Answer:screw,joins wood with a turning motion using a screwdriver

joins wood with a turning motion using a screwdriver

Correct Answer:nail,a quick, hammered fastener

a quick, hammered fastener

Correct Answer:glue,adhesive used to stick surfaces together

adhesive used to stick surfaces together

Q5.
What is a clamp used for in timber assembly?
to measure timber
to drill holes
Correct answer: to hold wood tightly while glue dries
to cut timber into shapes
Q6.
A is a connection made between two pieces of timber to hold them securely.
Correct Answer: joint

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the joining method to its feature:
Correct Answer:glue,dries to form strong invisible bond

dries to form strong invisible bond

Correct Answer:nail,fast to insert, but not easy to remove cleanly

fast to insert, but not easy to remove cleanly

Correct Answer:screw,strong, adjustable, and holds tightly

strong, adjustable, and holds tightly

Correct Answer:wooden joint,shaped for a tight fit, often used in furniture

shaped for a tight fit, often used in furniture

Q2.
Order the steps to create a glued timber joint using a clamp.
1 - apply wood glue to the surfaces
2 - align the two timber pieces
3 - place and tighten the clamp
4 - leave it to dry for several hours
Q3.
A connects two parts of a product so they stay fixed together.
Correct Answer: joint
Q4.
Why might a wooden joint be used instead of nails or screws?
it's faster to make
it's lighter in weight
Correct answer: it adds strength and improves appearance
it makes the product less safe