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      Tools and processes: polymers and timbers

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can select and use tools safely to manufacture my design.

      Key learning points

      1. To cut curves in polymer and timbers coping saws can be used.
      2. To cut straight lines in timbers tenon saws and bench hooks a can be used.

      Keywords

      • Tools - a device or instrument used to perform a task

      • Processes - a series of actions taken to achieve a specific outcome

      • Cutting - the act of slicing, dividing, or removing something using a sharp tool

      • Shaping - the process of giving form or structure to something

      Common misconception

      Practice using the tools is not needed when working with polymers and timbers as they are easy to cut.

      Practice is needed when using tools to cut all materials. Polymers and timbers are easy to cut, but complete control can be lost if cut too quickly. It can be challenging to keep on the line, so practice is needed.

      Teacher tip

      Count the tools in and out at the beginning and the end of each lesson.

      Equipment

      Materials, masking tape, pencils, set/try squares, steel rules, tape measures, coping saws, tenon saws and bench hooks.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      When manufacturing, marking out accurately …

      Correct answer: prevents material waste.
      makes the design better.
      Correct answer: ensures a good fit for assembly.

      Q2.
      What is the name of this marking out tool used for polymers and timbers?

      An image in a quiz
      set square
      steel rule
      compass
      protractor
      Correct answer: tape measure

      Q3.
      A tool that is well-known and used in project management for time planning is a ...

      Bantt chart.
      Correct answer: Gantt chart.
      Dantt chart.
      Lantt chart.
      Zantt chart.

      Q4.
      In time planning, the 'JIT' strategy stands for .

      Correct Answer: just in time, Just In Time

      Q5.
      A parts list supports the thinking needed in preparation of the manufacture for __________ components of a design, not just ones that are bought in.

      most
      Correct answer: all
      some
      shop bought
      home made

      Q6.
      Are orthographic projections completed before or after the manufacturing process?

      Correct Answer: before

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Why is the task of selecting and using appropriate tools and processes for different materials important?

      Correct answer: accuracy
      no practice is needed
      Correct answer: avoids wasting material
      Correct answer: safety
      to shorten the life of the tools

      Q2.
      Name the cutting tool below.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: tenon saw
      coping saw
      hacksaw
      junior saw
      junior hacksaw

      Q3.
      Why is practice needed before using the tools for cutting and shaping polymer and timbers?

      practice is not needed
      Correct answer: you can lose control from cutting too quickly
      to make cutting and shaping more difficult

      Q4.
      After cutting a component out, it is important to check the of the cut edges.

      Correct Answer: quality, accuracy, precision

      To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Tools and processes: polymers and timbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...