Question 1: Describe the main safety precautions you should take when using a craft knife for cutting materials.

Answer: Wear cut-resistant gloves, use a cutting mat, keep fingers away from the blade, cut away from your body, and ensure the blade is sharp to prevent slips.

Question 2: List three different cutting tools used in design and technology workshops and specify the materials each is best suited for.

Answer: Craft knife – suitable for paper and thin card; Scissors – suitable for fabrics and paper; Coping saw – suitable for cutting wood and plastics.

Question 3: Explain the difference between a straight cut and a curved cut. When might each be used?

Answer: A straight cut is a linear cut used for cutting materials to size or creating edges, while a curved cut follows a rounded or complex shape, used for detailed or decorative edges.

Question 4: Sketch a simple plan for a product that requires both straight and curved cuts. Label the parts where each type of cut is necessary.

Answer: The sketch should show a basic shape such as a box with rounded edges. Labels indicate straight cuts for the sides and top, and curved cuts for the rounded corners.

Question 5: Design Brief: You need to create a small wooden box with a hinged lid. Describe how you would plan the cutting process, including the tools you would use and the order of cuts.

Answer: First, measure and mark the wood for the sides, base, and lid. Use a saw (e.g., a mitre saw or hand saw) to cut the sides and base to size. Cut the lid separately with a saw, ensuring it fits the opening. Use a chisel or fine saw for hinge recesses if necessary.

Question 6: Draw a cross-section of a material showing how a straight cut and a diagonal cut differ. Indicate which tools would be used for each.

Answer: The drawing should depict a cross-section with a straight line and a diagonal line, with labels pointing to a craft knife or straight saw for the straight cut, and a coping saw or jigsaw for the diagonal cut.

Question 7: Identify two materials that are difficult to cut and suggest appropriate cutting tools and techniques to manage these materials safely.

Answer: A thick plastic sheet – use a fine-toothed saw or a jigsaw with appropriate blade; dense hardwood – use a sharp hand saw or a power saw, ensuring safety precautions are followed.

Question 8: Explain why it is important to use the correct cutting tool for different materials and how this impacts the quality of the finished product.

Answer: Using the correct tool ensures clean cuts, reduces material damage, increases safety, and improves the overall quality and accuracy of the finished product.