Indigenous Wood Crafts

Indigenous Crafts Out of Wood

• Indigenous crafts are made of wood
• Topic Outline
  • Classification of Wood
  • Tools and Materials Used
  • Procedure in making an Article/Product made of wood

Classification of Wood

• Wood is divided into groups based on distinct standards: hardness, density, grain pattern, color, geographic origin, durability, workability and uses
• Hardwood and softwood are classified according to kind of the tree the wood comes from
  • Softwoods from coniferous trees
  • Hardwoods from deciduous trees
• Density is correlated with hardness and classified as softwood (less dense) or hardwood (denser).
• Grain patterns include wavy, interlocked, and straight grain
• Color varies with the tree type.
• Geographic origin categorizes wood into groups like tropical, temperate, or boreal woods.
• Durability classifies wood according to resistance to decay and pests
• Workability depends on hardness, moisture content, and grain structure regarding ability to be worked with tools
• Uses are classified according to intended use like furniture, flooring, cabinetry, structural timber, and woodturning
• Hardwood
  • Originates from Deciduous trees that have leaves and seeds
  • Examples include, Ash, Beech, Birch, Cherry, Oak, Maple, Walnut, Mahogany, Rosewood, Acacia, Teak, Bamboo, Mango, and Mindi
  • General characteristics include a slower growth rate and higher density
  • Used for high quality furniture, decorative woodwork, decks, flooring
  • Typically has a higher cost
• Softwood
  • Originates Conifer trees that have needles and cones
  • Examples include Cedar, fir, pine, spruce and redwood
  • General characteristics include a faster growth rate with lower density
  • Used for building components, furniture, exterior cladding
  • Typically has lower cost
• Engineered wood
  • Made from real timber, waste wood or a combination of the two
  • Examples include CLT, OSB, LML, LSL, Plywood, MDF, Chipboard and Veneered Boards
  • General characteristics include large standard sized panels of varying density
  • Used for furniture (shelves and cupboards), walls, counters
  • Lower cost

Tools and Materials Used

• Artisans use various chisels: straight chisels, V-groove chisels, and gouges, to create depth and texture.
• Knives, both straight and hooked, are used for more delicate and precise carving work.
• Chip carving knives make precise cuts and remove chips for soft wood like basswood or butternut and hardwood
• Chisels are hand tools for carving, cutting, and shaping hard materials like wood, stone, and metal
  • The chisel tool used in wood and wood carving is a sharp-edged hand chisel tool similar to a screwdriver
• Traditional mallets for carving are cylindrically shaped and made from dense hardwood.
• Pull-Saws are thinner and lighter, considered easier to manipulate for carpentry beginners, needing to be pulled towards the body.
• Bent and Spoon Gouges are specialty gouges to reach inaccessible spots on carvings that straight gouges can't reach.
• The preferred material for wood carving is Batikuling wood, being treated to repel termites, and its light weight.
• Other woods include Narra, Molave and Kamagong.
• The most familiar art form in the Philippine wood carving is furniture, using wood like mahogany, narra, bamboo, and yakal

Procedure in Making an Article/Product Made of Wood

• Creating a wooden article involves several steps:
  • Design and Planning: Define the article's purpose, and sketch the item with dimensions, features, and aesthetics.
  • Material Selection: Choose suitable wood based on durability, appearance, and intended use.
  • Measuring and Cutting: Measure and mark the wood to the design, using tools like a saw to accurately cut pieces.
  • Shaping and Sanding: Shape the wood pieces, achieving a smooth finish with tools like a router or chisel and progressively finer sandpaper.
  • Joinery (if needed): Use appropriate joinery techniques like gluing, doweling, or screws/nails.
  • Assembly: Assemble components ensuring proper alignment, using clamps as glue dries.
  • Finishing: Apply paint, stain, varnish, or oil to protect and enhance the wood's appearance, based on preference.
  • Quality Check: Inspect for defects, ensure secure parts, and verify the item meets design specifications.
  • Packaging (if applicable): Package appropriately for sales or transport to prevent damage.
  • Documentation: Keep records of materials, dimensions, and techniques.