Application
This unit of competency covers planning, constructing and assembling custom furniture in response to specific orders and job requests.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Prepare for work | 1.1 | Custom job requirements, including design, tolerances, process, materials, finish and quantity, are determined from job request and customer specifications |
1.2 | Construction and assembly sequence are planned | ||
1.3 | Procedures are determined for checking quality at each stage of the process | ||
1.4 | Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work | ||
1.5 | Suitable work area is selected for the task | ||
1.6 | Preparatory drawings and set-outs for tasks are completed | ||
1.7 | Cutting list for components is developed | ||
1.8 | Materials are selected following work instructions | ||
1.9 | Tools and equipment suitable for construction are identified and checked for safe and effective operation | ||
2 | Complete construction | 2.1 | Materials are set out and prepared according to work instructions and components are marked according to industry practices |
2.2 | Tools, machines and equipment are used in accordance with safety requirements and manufacturer specifications | ||
2.3 | Materials are bent and formed in accordance with the plan | ||
2.4 | Components are manufactured and checked against set-outs for tolerances, fit and accuracy | ||
3 | Assemble custom furniture | 3.1 | Components are assembled and checked against set-outs for accuracy, fit, twist and distortion |
3.2 | Doors, drawers and shelves are assembled and fitted | ||
3.3 | Hardware and decorative accessories are applied to specification | ||
3.4 | Product is prepared for final finish, including the removal of bruises, scratches, dents and marks | ||
3.5 | Product is checked against plans at identified checkpoints and customer acceptance determined | ||
4 | Finalise operation and maintain equipment | 4.1 | Work area is cleaned, hand and/or power tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored in accordance with workplace procedures |
4.2 | Machinery is cleaned and left in a safe mode | ||
4.3 | Faulty and/or defective equipment is tagged and reported in accordance with workplace practices | ||
4.4 | Unused hardware is collected and stored for re-use or disposal following workplace procedures | ||
4.5 | Waste and scrap materials are dealt with following workplace procedures | ||
Evidence of Performance
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
maintain required production output and product quality
Produce one (1) significant furniture item to customer specifications in terms of dimensions, materials, function and aesthetics using:
custom-developed machining processes and outcomes
custom development and completion of assembly techniques and processes
Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements
Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications and the reporting of work outcomes and problems, interpret basic plans and follow safety procedures
Minimise wastage of resources, including materials, time and money
Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity
Evidence of Knowledge
Types, characteristics, uses and limitations of materials most common to furniture production
Interpretation of plan representation of furniture design
Preparation of drawings/set-outs/rods
Identification of hand and/or power tools, materials, equipment, processes and procedures
Work flow in relation to furniture production
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must:
hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors
have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification
be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.
Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.
Access is required to plans, tools and equipment required to fabricate custom furniture.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. Detail on appropriate performance levels for each furnishing unit of competency in reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy utilising the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) are provided in the Furnishing Training Package Implementation Guide.
Range Statement
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Custom furniture includes: | one-off manufacture in response to specific customer requirements. It does not include variations or modification to a production line item. It covers: wall units vanity units kitchen cabinets sideboards/buffets drawer units display cabinets counters tables beds |
Unit context includes: | WHS requirements, including legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods code, and local safe operating procedures work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements work involves reading and interpreting plans, customer liaison, developing set-outs, using hand and/or power tools, equipment and operating woodworking machinery competency may be demonstrated in workplaces involved in the manufacture of solid timber domestic furniture, commercial furniture and/or furniture components |
Material bending and forming techniques include: | steam and bend machined curves |
Tools and equipment include: | measuring tapes or rulers hammers mallets squares bevels chisels planes hand saws power saws portable routers and trimmers power drills/screwdrivers pneumatic tools, compressor and spray equipment hoses clamps screwdrivers and pincers |
Machines include: | band saws cross-cut saws mitre saws panel and rip saws surface planers panel planers shaping machines and jigs sanders horizontal borers vertical drill presses dovetailers pedestal grinders wood-turning lathes veneer guillotines and presses |
Materials include: | timber adhesives screws nails dowels metal fasteners knock-down fittings glass decorative finishes and abrasive paper |
Personal protective equipment includes: | that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices |
Information and procedures include: | workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication manufacturer specifications and operational procedures |
Sectors
Furniture Making