Woodworking/metalworking

Woodworking/Metalworking
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Woodworking/Metalworking
Introduction
An integrated manufacturing system consists of a manual and automated production line. The manufacturing process occurs in phases ranging from the assembling and storage of materials to the production of the final product. However, good manufacturing systems should be efficient in the delivery of the final product as well as providing efficacy production lines. The production line is a series of workstations that allows the passage of products from one series to another with each workstation adding value to the product (Groover, 2007). The paper aims at exploring the manufacturing process of deck tables.
A deck table is obtained through woodworking manufacturing processes. It can be used for different functions whether at home or offices. A deck table can be designed as a picnic table for two where there is a table in the middle, and two chairs are attached to it. The smaller the size the faster it is to manufacture. Another type of deck tables is the poker table that can be used to play cards and other poker games. It is a round table that can accommodate 5-6 people depending on the size. Moreover, the kid’s picnic table is a little bit wider and has a smaller height to allow kids to use it for their meals or reading during picnic activities. It is a portable table fully designed with side benches that can accommodate a limited number of people depending on the size. Other deck tables include outdoor deck tables, ornamental outdoor deck tables, deck side tables and sheep load chute.

It is important to note that the manufacturing process for the deck tables is the same only that a little variation is done in the designing to get the different kinds of deck tables.
Manufacturing process of furniture
Deck tables are usually made from furniture and, therefore, it is important to look at the manufacturing process of furniture. Furniture can be obtained from trees or logs that are submitted through a woodworking process to obtain the desired product. These processes are vital to getting high-quality products from the furniture used as well as make the furniture strong and durable (Lahtinen, 2007). The following is an overview of the processes that furniture undergoes during manufacturing.
Logging process: Logs are cut down and put in a storage room. These logs can be obtained from artificial forests where they are grown purposely for manufacturing processes. It is vital to note that due to the global climatic changes there is a need for forest conservation. Therefore, artificial forests are most preferred to grow trees that can be used for woodworking rather than depleting the natural forest. Again in the artificial forests, trees suited for timber production and those having low maturity periods can be grown.
Sawmilling: It is the initial manufacturing process for furniture. During the process, logs are split depending on the desired shape and size for different purposes. The split woods are put outdoor to allow for drying and evaporation of moisture especially when using freshly cut logs. Since the split woods are disjointed according to sizes, they can be easily arranged and transported. Usually, there are many wood milling factories where the process can be carried out,
Kiln drying process: During this process, wood is passed through a kiln for drying purposes. However, care ought to be taken when drying softwoods as they can easily crack. The process can take between two to four weeks depending on the specifications of the desired wood, panel thickness and the drying room capacity. The use of right equipment makes the process efficient and fast.
Cutting and splitting: A cutter saw or other appropriate wood cutting machines are used to cut the dry wood to specified sizes.
The drilling process: The small block woods are then passed through the panel machines for smoothing process. They are then passed to the drilling machines for structuring purposes.
Sanding: In the sanding process, the drilled wood components are arranged together depending on their work specification where they are refined to smooth further their surfaces.
Assembling: The assembling process is vital in designing the desired product. Different tools are used such as wood glue to join the wood component to ensure a final product is obtained. The assembling process varies depending on the type of furniture product being manufactured. It is the longest process in the furniture making process and expertise is highly needed in the process.
Finishing: Is the final process in the manufacturing of furniture. It involves the final touches processes such as placing of ornaments to furniture products and other decorative materials depending on product specifications.
Packaging: Once the products have been passed through all the manufacturing processes they are then packaged for sale or distribution purposes.
Manufacturing a Deck table
The deck table will be used for outdoor dining activities. It can accommodate up to about six people, but it can be varied accordingly to accommodate more or less. It is a full set comprising of a dining bench and stackable side chairs. The following is a simple procedure that can be used to construct the dining table. It is important to note that the simple procedure has been derived from works by various designers and self-conducted interviews from professional wood designers and constructors.
Main features
Type: Dining table
Capacity: About six people
Room: Kitchen, dining and outdoor
Style: Modern
Dimensions
Boards: Use 1×4 boards with 5-12 inches; use the boards to cut the table top
Supports and Aprons: 1×4, with 5-8 inches each
Screws: 1-12 inches, 2×4; 1, 1/4 inches screw; 2, 1/2 inches screws
Others: wood glue and fillers, finishing materials
Image Source: (Ana-white.com, 2010)
Tools to be used
A measuring tape, square, pencil, Safety Glasses, Hearing protectors, Kreg jig, drill, circular saw, random orbital sander and a level.
Cuttings
End Aprons: 2-1×4,@32 ½ inches
Supports:4-1×4,@64 ½ inches
Side aprons:2,1×4,@60 ½ inches
Tabletop boards:17,1×4,@35 ½ inches
Legs:4,1×4,@29 ¼ inches
Instructions
Step 1: First fasten the end aprons to the side aprons as well the supports. It can be done using the screws (2 inches) and the wood glue. Ensure that the whole construction is square.
Step 2: The outer side aprons should be fastened to the sides while keeping the both the top and bottom edges flush. Use glue and screws (1 ¼ inches) to attach the outer apron to the inner one.
Step 3: Using glue and screws (2 inches) join the table top pieces to the already prepared aprons and supports. It is important to mark the joints before fastening. Moreover, a Kreg jig will assist in fastening the screws from underneath. Fastening the screws from underneath ensures that all the screw holes are hidden. Additionally, ensure that the bark of the boards are facing upwards as it prevents cupping in future and ensures proper water drainage.
Step 4: Here the legs are joined to the table top. Screws (2 ½ inches) are used to fasten the legs to the table top. The legs can be made removable by using bolts.
Once all the steps are followed the final product will be appealing and with a little finishing it can be stored for use. For commercial productions, further adjustments are made to suit the client’s specifications. Moreover, commercials valuation for the table is between $50-$100 depending on the availability of raw materials and technical specifications by the customer. Furthermore, the production process has fewer wastages and minimal environmental concerns since it uses simple procedure in the assembling process. Additionally, the manufacturing process is less intensive, and thus even beginners can find it easy making the dining tables.
A good manufacturing process, therefore, is efficient and saves time and money. The different production lines that products are submitted are important in adding value to these products. The use of computer aided programs in manufacturing assists in massive production and automation of the manufacturing processes. However, woodworking makes less use of the computer aided technology in its manufacturing process. Woodworking has a long history since the creation of mankind. It is more of an art that is prevalent among certain individuals and technology plays a rather small role in impacting the woodworking processes. However, woodworking also depends on technology due to its reliance on machinery such as drilling machines and others during the various stages of manufacturing. The woodworking industry has great potential in future due to its ability to produce authentic and culture thematic products with diversified uses (Lahtinen, 2007). For instance, the deck tables can be adjusted and decorated in line with a given theme to suit a projected outlook. The woodworking industry thus has the potential to grow in the long run as it makes use of simple manufacturing processes to produce excellent products. Additionally, woodworking makes use of environmentally friendly materials that are easily accessible. However, the rising global climate crises due to deforestation are an important factor to consider in the woodworking industry. Since the industry deals with furniture, a lot of caution and preventive measures need to be in place to protect the natural forests. It is for this reason that investors in the woodworking industries are encouraged to create artificial forests where they can derive their raw materials from. The initiative will protect the manufacturing industry as well as conserve the environment.
In a nutshell, manufacturing systems are vital in product creation in the different manufacturing industries. Woodworking makes use of the available resources such as trees to manufacture different items such as deck tables. The assembling process for a deck table is simple and requires fewer efforts and non-sophisticated technology such as the computer-aided manufacturing systems. It is important to explore manufacturing systems to determine the best system to use when manufacturing a product. It can be done by evaluating the manufacturing process and comparing the different options, especially in the assembling processes.
References
Ana-white.com,. (2010). Ana White | Build a Simple Outdoor Dining Table | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans. Retrieved 3 December 2015, from http://ana-white.com/2010/04/plans-simple-outdoor-dining-table.html
Groover, M. P. (2007). Fundamentals of modern manufacturing: materials processes, and systems. John Wiley & Sons.
Lahtinen, K. (2007). Linking resource-based view with business economics of woodworking industry: earlier findings and future insights. Silva Fennica, 41(1), 149.