SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Produce basic hand crafted furniture 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117165  Produce basic hand crafted furniture 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Furniture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  22 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this unit standard is able to correctly and safely produce basic hand crafted furniture.
The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Selecting and preparing equipment, and tools.
  • Selecting and preparing materials and surfaces.
  • Selecting and preparing adhesives.
  • Cutting, shaping and molding components to size.
  • Cutting components for joints.
  • Assembling furniture.
  • Finishing off products according to standard. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in basic numeracy and literacy equivalent to ABET Level 4. They will also have achieved, or be able to demonstrate equivalent competence to the National Certificate in Furniture Making, NQF level 1. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following elements include but are not limited to:
  • Equipment and tools: hand and powered hand tools
  • Materials: softwood; hardwood; plywood; composite board products; components; mouldings; fittings
  • Material quality: grades; inherent and seasoning defects
  • Specifications: drawings; cutting lists; routing sheets; oral and written instructions, dimensions and position
  • Workstation preparation: cleaning; layout; space for equipment; materials; environmental conditions
  • Surface preparation: free of any foreign objects; planing; sanding; cleaning
  • Measuring and marking out: from project layout; from drawing
  • Adhesive preparation: mixing and stirring
  • Personal protection: eye protection; hand protection; overalls / dust coats; respiratory protection; barrier cream; cleansing cream; after cream
  • Component size obtained by: hand sawing; hand planing
  • Shape and mould: fretwork; jigsaw; edge moulding; scraping; abrasives; cutting; laminating
  • Joints: dove tail; mortice and tenon; lap; mitre; tongue and groove; loose tongue (feather); housing; dowel; butt
  • Faults: inaccurate fit; inaccurate alignment; inaccurate shape; incorrect orientation of grain
  • Assembly methods: dry assembly; cramping; screw and nail
  • Assembly: sub-assembly; carcase; frame; drawers; mouldings
  • Pressure applied: manually; mechanically
  • Cramps:; sash cramps; G cramps; edging / lipping cramps
  • Planned interruptions: tea breaks; lunch breaks; toilet; training; setting up
  • Unplanned interruptions: breakdowns; power failure; material shortfalls; identification of product fault
  • Product quality checks: output against specifications; protection and storage of output; customer requirements
  • Relevant action : reporting; recording; rectifying
  • Production requirements: production rate; quality; materials; waste control; efficiency control
  • Documentation: location and quality control 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Select and prepare equipment and tools. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Specification is obtained and confirmed to be understood 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment and tools are identified, selected and confirmed to be in satisfactory condition for safe and effective use 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant information is recorded accurately onto appropriate document 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment and tools are set according to job specification 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment and tools are laid out according to job requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Equipment and tools are handled correctly and safely 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The process is performed safely according to health and safety requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The workstation is prepared for safe and effective production within the allocated time 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Select and prepare materials and surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Materials selected are of the required quality and quantity 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Materials selected are according to the cutting list, routing sheets or other relevant sources of information 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The face side of material is marked according to required use and desired visual effect 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Material is measured and marked out according to specification, ensuring minimum waste 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment and tools are used safely and effectively according to correct usage, marking out and materials used 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Materials are prepared to finish requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Materials, equipment and tools are handled according to health and safety requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Material preparation is performed within the allocated time 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select and prepare adhesives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate personal protective equipment is used correctly 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Adhesives are correctly selected according to specification 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Adhesives are prepared correctly according to manufactures instructions 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The process is performed according to health and safety requirements, within the allocated time 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Cut, shape and mould components to size. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Materials are brought to component size and shape according to specification 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Material is sanded and cleaned within the cutting, shaping and moulding tolerances and process instructions 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment and tools are used correctly and safely according to their designated usage 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Materials, components, equipment and tools are handled according to health and safety requirements and in a manner that does not cause damage or injury 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Waste is disposed of safely and according to requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The workstation is maintained clean, tidy and safe, and the tools and equipment returned to correct location after use 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The process is performed safely and within the allocated time 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Cut components for joints. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Joints are cut accurately according to specification 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Joints are dry assembled to check correctness of fit according to specification 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Faults in joints are identified and rectified, and non-rectifiable faults are rejected and replaced according to work practices 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment and tools are used safely and correctly according to their designated usage 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Components are sanded and cleaned as required within the jointing process 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Components, tools and equipment are handled correctly and safely 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The work area is maintained clean, tidy and safe, and tools and equipment are returned to correct location after use 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The process is performed safely and within the time allocated 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Assemble furniture. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Joints are dry assembled to form complete assembly 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All joints marry up correctly 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Joints are secured and assembled according to specification 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Pressure applied is appropriate for the furniture being assembled 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Joints are free of excess adhesive or any foreign objects 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Furniture item is square and true 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The process is performed safely within the allocated time 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The workstation is kept clean, tidy and safe, and tools are returned to their correct location after use 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Finish off product according to standard. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality is maintained in accordance with specification requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Quality of manufactured output complies with product specification 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Deviations within allowable tolerances are identified and relevant action taken 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Deviations outside allowable tolerances are promptly reported to the relevant person 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Quality checks are carried out at specific intervals and production requirements are maintained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Information required is recorded accurately onto relevant documentation 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessors assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the FIETA ETQA

    Institutions offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the FIETA ETQA. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    A sound understanding of materials technology including:
  • Growth and structure of a tree
  • How logs are converted to timber
  • Distinguish between hardwoods, softwoods and veneers
  • Range of timber and board products available
  • Suitability of different types of wood and board products
  • Importance of grain direction in timber
  • Working with different types of materials
  • Common defects in timber
  • Identification and recognition of faults
    A broad understanding of tools and equipment and their application, including:
  • Range and scope of tools and equipment available
  • Identification of relevant tools and their uses
  • Importance of tools and equipment being in good state of repair
  • Correct use of dimension aids and production aids
  • Methods of mechanical cutting with templates
  • Range and scope of clamps available
  • Clamping techniques
    A sound understanding of joint technology including:
  • Recognition of suitable joints to be used in the construction of furniture
  • The construction of joints
  • The mechanics and limitations of joints
  • Assembly methods and confirming accuracy
    A sound understanding of techniques for measuring and marking
    Identification of adhesives and how and when to use them, including:
  • Pot life
  • Shelf life
  • Open time
  • Curing time
  • Clamping time
  • Cleaning techniques for various adhesives
    A sound understanding of Health and Safety requirements, including:
  • Handling of adhesives
  • Materials handling
  • Importance of using protective equipment.
    A sound understanding of quality and performance issues including:
  • Importance of quality and performance standards
  • Importance of punctuality
  • Importance of organised workstation
  • Types of interruptions which occur, and how to handle them
  • Importance of quality checks
  • Understanding of tolerances
  • Dealing with deviations to acceptable tolerances 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify & solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when cutting, shaping and molding components for hand crafted furniture. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others when producing basic hand crafted furniture. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to ensure work is carried out according to quality and performance requirements, without compromising safety for self and colleagues. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using language skills when communicating with supervisors and work colleagues. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, that when cutting, shaping and assembling components that they do not pose a safety risk and that failure to maintain rate and quality of production will negatively impact upon all parts of the furniture production cycle. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49091   National Certificate: Furniture Making: Wood  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.