Academic Calendar 2024-25 
    
    Dec 26, 2024  
Academic Calendar 2024-25

Fine Furniture/Joinery Trades Foundation (Certificate)


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Length: 40 weeks
Location: Interurban Campus
Credential: Certificate in Joinery Foundation (complete weeks 1-32)
  Certificate in Fine Furniture Foundation (complete weeks 1-40)
Program Code: FND.FFJF.CERT
CIP: 48.0701

Overview

Graduates of this program will have knowledge and skills necessary for initial entry into the Cabinet making and Millwork trades, as well as the Furniture Design, Construction and Finishing/Refinishing industries.  Classroom work and practical shop projects emphasize the skills required for success in a small-scale shop or self-employment situation.

Admissions


All of:

  • Successful completion of an assessment test in applied mathematics, English, and 3-D visualization.
  • Submission of a portfolio (samples, slides or photographs of craftwork indicating design and handskills). 

Note: Fine Furniture Readiness Test is completed through the Camosun Assessment Centre, this three hour test has section sections: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Arithmetic, Measurement, Visualization & Mechanical Aptitude, and a written paragraph. The first two sections, Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary, relate directly to course content.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, the learner will be able to 

  1. Use creative problem solving to come to innovative yet practical solutions in the design and building of fine furniture
  2. Understand how furniture history and principles and elements of design inform contemporary fine furniture construction
  3. Work effectively as part of a team or group in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and achievement of goals
  4. Use the materials, tools and equipment required for fine furniture construction and finishing in a safe, effective manner
  5. Present self to the external world as a creative, skilled, business-like beginning woodworker

Curriculum


All of:


  • FURN 152 - Fine Furniture 1 - 16 weeks
  • FURN 154 - Fine Furniture 2 - 16 weeks
  • FURN 156 - Fine Furniture 3 - 8 weeks

Additional Information


Students in the Fine Furniture Program study:

  • Hand Tools: Identification, Use and Maintenance
  • Machine Tools:
    • Sawing
    • Planeing
    • Drilling
    • Routing and Shaping
    • Abrasive equipment
    • Lathe Turning
    • Maintenance
    • Jig and Fixture Design
    • Decorative Mouldings and Turnings
  • Joinery:
    • Case Joinery
    • Leg & Rail Joinery
    • Fasteners and Adhesives
    • Assembly techniques
    • Cabinetmaking
    • Frame & Panel Joinery
    • Furniture Structure
    • Curving, Bending and Laminating
  • Furniture Design:
    • Technical Drawing & CAD
    • Perspective Drawing and Rendering
    • Elements and Principles of Design
    • Decorative Referents
    • Furniture History
  • Materials:
    • Wood Technology
    • Wood Species Identification
    • Wood Composite Products
    • Quantity Calculations
    • Veneering Techniques
    • Glass and Glazing Techniques
    • Plastics
    • Metals
  • Finishing:
    • Surface Preparation
    • Wood Colouring and Texturing
    • Top Coats Shellac
    • Lacquer
    • Varnish & Oil
    • Water Bourne Resins
    • Spray Finishing
    • Restoration and Repair Techniques

Approximately 30% of course time is spent in the classroom on lectures, demonstrations and research assignments, including the following:

  • 7 plank table drawing
  • ​Computer Aided Design Assignments
  • Design History Research Projects
  • Cutting List Assignments
  • Furniture Design Assignments
  • Jig and Fixture Design Assignments
  • Marketing and Digital Portfolio Projects

The remaining 70% is spent in the shop completing the following practical projects:

  • 7 plank table
  • ​Shaker Style End Table (Hand & Machine Tools)
  • Dovetail Drawer (Hand Tools only)
  • Document Box
  • Production Stool with Turned Components
  • Upholstered Seat (Production Stool)
  • Form and Function Projects
  • Wall Hung Cabinet (Solid Wood, Traditional Joinery)
  • Modern Cabinetmaking Project (European 32mm System)  
  • Design-it Build-it Projects
  • Capstone Project Design, Model, Construction & Finishing
  • Finishing Sample Boards
  • Commercial Finishing Practices