Topic 4 of 6 · Form 5
Woodworking machinery and cutting theory
Circular saw bench, band saw, surface planer, thicknesser, spindle moulder, router, mortiser, lathe, CNC router and panel saw.
Notes for this topic 1 file, in order
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Machines
Circular saw bench, band saw, surface planer, thicknesser, spindle moulder, router, mortiser, lathe, CNC router and panel saw.
Cutting theory
- Peripheral (cutting) speed v = πDN (D in metres, N in revolutions per second) – affects finish and safety.
Worked example: A 250 mm saw blade runs at 3 000 rev/min. Find its peripheral speed.
v = π × 0.25 × (3 000 ÷ 60) = 39.3 m s⁻¹
- Feed speed and cutter marks: pitch of marks = feed speed ÷ (number of knives × rev per second); more knives or slower feed gives a smoother finish.
- Tooth geometry: rip teeth (chisel action) and cross-cut teeth (knife action); set prevents binding.
Safety
Guards, riving knives, push sticks, anti-kickback devices, correct speeds, sharp tools, emergency stops, dust extraction (wood dust is a carcinogen), noise protection and training.
CNC and CAM
CNC routers cut accurate parts from CAD files, enabling batch production and complex shapes.
Maintenance
Sharpening, tensioning band saw blades, lubrication, alignment and inspection.
Check yourself
- What is the purpose of a riving knife?
- Why is dust extraction essential in a woodwork shop?
- How can the finish from a planer be improved?
Show answers
- To prevent the timber closing on the back of the saw and causing kickback.
- Wood dust is a fire hazard and harmful to health (respiratory disease, some types carcinogenic).
- Slower feed speed, more cutter knives, sharp knives or higher cutter speed.
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