Joinery 2021
The stretch test for the 2021 National Final for Joinery was an unknown element, from the main test project brief given to competitors. The main project consisted of 18 hours to produce, which included a rod board, marking out materials, processing the components with a mixture of hand and power tools, with limited use of fixed machinery being a hollow chisel morticer.
This year’s project had curved components as well as angled glazing bar features which typically involve problem solving around geometry; however, to add in the stretch test, competitors were given an additional one hour to produce a section view on plan with no other working drawing given to work from. It was a case of reading and understanding the elevation details along with section views, then producing a full plan view on section. The section line was given verbally with an explanation for what to produce, then all competitors made a start. The stretch test was decided upon so competitors could demonstrate a full understanding of verbal instruction, knowledge of being able to read a working drawing, their ability to visualise the drawing, problem solve some of the deliberate anomalies within the drawing to ensure they fully understood. All were given the opportunity to ask questions during the briefing prior to start, but the emphasis was to listen to instructions, read the drawing and do exactly what was requested. To assess the outcome, a set of marking criteria was created separate to the main competition using a method of judgement (40%) and measurement (60%) coverage on score.
Nell Tomlinson was the winner.
Carpentry 2021
The carpentry stretch test was a practical exercise (traditional tusk tenon joint) to test the competitors’ core skills:-
- Interpreting drawing
- Planning and setting out
- Preparing wood
- Assembling and presenting.
- Time management
Charlie Reeve was the winner.