CUVWOO501A
Refine woodworking techniques

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to refine techniques for working with wood and to develop an individual style in a body of creative work. This occurs through a process of research, refinement and evaluation.

Application

Visual artists and designers whose practice includes the design and making of wooden objects apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. Those objects may be works in their own right or be components of other works in other media. Technical skills for specific woodworking processes are also described in the furniture design units in LMF02 Furnishing Training Package.

At this level, the practitioner has a well-developed command of technical woodworking skills as well as the conceptual and creative skills to create a coherent body of work.

Technique refinement is a largely independent activity with mentoring and guidance as required. It would normally include work with several different techniques as part of the process of developing an individual style. In practice, this process is integrated with the skills described in the unit CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Research woodworking ideas and techniques

1.1 Support professional practice by expanding own knowledge of historical and contemporary woodworking practice

1.2 Research ways that other artists and designers have used different woodworking techniques

1.3 Investigate how particular woodworking techniques achieve different technical effects

1.4 Evaluate the relationships between woodworking techniques and ideas

1.5 Adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches with consideration of intellectual property requirements

2. Select woodworking techniques for refinement

2.1 Consider opportunities offered by different woodworking techniques

2.2 Determine limitations and constraints of particular techniques

2.3 Select woodworking techniques for refinement

3. Determine safety requirements for woodwork

3.1 Investigate safety issues associated with woodwork

3.2 Set up work space according to safety requirements

3.3 Establish and follow safe work practices

3.4 Monitor key safety issues during the production of work

4. Consolidate woodworking technique to professional level

4.1 Develop increasing confidence and skill through practice and experimentation

4.2 Proactively identify and resolve technical problems in woodworking projects based on developing expertise

4.3 Challenge and test ideas, and allow new and unpredictable ideas to emerge

4.4 Evolve ideas and other professional skills through ongoing experimentation with technique

4.5 Develop own ways of working with techniques to create individual style

4.6 Create a coherent body of woodwork that shows command of selected techniques

5. Evaluate own woodworking technique

5.1 Evaluate development of own technique with others and seek feedback

5.2 Seek and participate in conversations that challenge and explore different ideas and approaches

5.3 Reflect on ways that experimentation with different techniques has informed own work

5.4 Identify ways in which technique may be further developed as part of a professional practice and build ideas into future work

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to engage with others about the technical and conceptual aspects of woodwork

critical thinking and analytical skills to:

evaluate and make judgements about relationships between woodworking techniques, effects and ideas

make critical evaluations of own woodworking technique

make critical evaluations of research findings

initiative and enterprise skills to identify and act on opportunities for own practice presented by research and experimentation

learning skills to develop and refine own skills to a professional practice standard

literacy skills to analyse complex and varied information about woodworking technique

problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical problems in woodworking work

self-management and planning skills to create a coherent body of woodwork

technical skills to show command of chosen woodworking techniques at a professional level

technology skills to use the internet as a research tool.

Required knowledge

relationship between woodworking technique, particular effects and ideas – in the work of other artists and designers and in the context of own practice

extended range of information sources that support research in woodworking practice

cultural, sociological, philosophical, aesthetic, political and commercial influences on woodwork, in historical and contemporary contexts

professional development opportunities for artists developing a woodworking practice

elements and principles of design and how they may be used, adapted and challenged in the creation of work

intellectual property issues and legislation associated with woodworking as a professional practice

sustainability issues for the professional operation of a woodworking practice

OHS requirements for the set-up and operation of a professional work space for woodwork.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

evolve and refine woodworking technique through a demonstrated process of experimentation

develop individual style in own work

produce a coherent body of professional work that includes the use of well-developed woodworking technique

research woodworking technique in the broader context of other artwork and artists

use safe and sustainable work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

equipment, materials and tools used to produce woodworking work.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of woodworking technique within a body of work produced by the candidate

evaluation of processes used by the candidate to evolve and refine woodworking technique

evaluation of the work documentation

direct observation of woodworking in progress, including exploration of, and experimentation with, techniques

questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome

review of portfolios of evidence

review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Woodworking techniques:

may include:

advanced wood machining

laminating

marquetry

steam bending

carving

complex hand techniques

complex jig making

digital techniques

extended computer-aided drafting

extended wood turning skills

manufacture of full scale mock-ups

model making

production and use of simple jigs

prototyping assemblage

technical drawing

texturing

wood finishing

wood turning

may involve use of the following tools and equipment:

CNC routers

metal cutting and forming equipment

metal lathes

spindle moulders

wood turning lathes.

Technical effects may include:

colour

form

shapes

surface texture

use of hardware.

Intellectual property requirements may relate to:

copyright

design licensing regulations

form of acknowledgement or credit

moral rights

protocols for the adaptation of work by others

trademarks.

Opportunities may relate to:

communication of ideas

natural affinity with particular techniques

potential for combining techniques

potential for interactions between technique and media

themes in work.

Limitations and constraints may relate to:

availability of materials

capacity of technique to deliver required effect

own interaction with technique

resources

time.

Refinement may include:

ability to use technique with confidence

use of technique in a body of professional work.

Safe work practices may include:

completing material safety data sheets (MSDS)

correct disposal of waste materials

dust and fume extraction

ergonomic safety

managing risk

reporting accidents and incidents

safe use of tools and equipment

using clearly designated wet and dry areas

using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Technical problems may include:

innovative use of materials and practices

need to modify and develop hardware

need to modify and develop tools and equipment.

Coherent body of woodwork is:

conceptually resolved

documented in terms of its development

subject to critical feedback by others

technically resolved

thematically connected.

Ways in which technique may be further developed may include:

collaboration

further study

intensive workshops

mentored guidance

new projects.


Sectors

Visual communication – wood


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.