Wood Products Technology, A.A.S., Major #0618

Wood Products Technology is a ThinkPad University curriculum in which the use of laptop computers is integrated into courses.

Wood Products Technology is a one-of-a-kind program in the State of New York, designed to train students for employment in finish carpentry, cabinet-making and furniture production, while using cutting edge technology like computer numerical controlled machinery to enter wood manufacturing industries.

The major begins with a survey of the industry and an introduction to the use of commercial cabinet-making equipment. Students learn wood properties and identification, manufacturing and grading at the sawmill and apply this knowledge to the seasoning or kiln drying of lumber. Students also learn both in theory and practice about adhesives, finishes and wood laminates.

Students can choose either the Finish Carpentry option which includes the electrical, plumbing or light framing trades, or the Furniture Production and Business option that concentrates on the business aspects where the students learn accounting, marketing and human resource management. Students following the Finish Carpentry option take all of the wood courses while an introduction to electrical, plumbing and light framing is gained to allow the student to enter the building trades. Students following the Furniture Production and Business option also take all of the traditional wood courses with a concentration of business classes for the student interested in starting their own business or working for a large furniture manufacturer.

The facility is a 14,000 square foot fully-equipped wood center where the students can start with a log and use the same wood to complete a finished project. The technologically advanced equipment includes a WoodMizer LT300 sawmill, SII Dry Kiln with state-of-the-art drying software, a Weinig Profimat #26 five head molder with knife grinding equipment, a modern woodshop with four planers, Sawstop table saws, a Kreg Face frame clamping table and a General 5 hp. Shaper with self-feed.

Career Opportunities: The Wood Products Technology program prepares students for supervision and self-employment in the lumber, furniture, cabinet making, and finish carpentry industry. This includes fields like kitchen and bath construction and re-modeling and architectural millwork. Sales and services of related machinery and supplies is another option.

Program Requirements: There is a laboratory fee of $100 for Wood 101 and Wood 241 courses. For each of these course the students will complete a wood furniture project that they can keep.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon Successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Dry   any   species   of   lumber   with   minimal   defects. 

• Identify defects that will cause degrade during drying. 

• Collect data, create and present a professional laboratory report.

• Demonstrate current safety precautions in a manufacturing setting.

• Operate technological advanced manufacturing equipment.

• Describe the finishing procedure that best fits the application.

• Inspect lumber according to NHLA grading rules and determine best use.

Finish Carpentry Option

The Finish Carpentry option provides students with wood working skills and construction skills including electrification, plumbing and light framing.

Curriculum Requirements - 61 Credits

Furniture Production and Business Option

The furniture production  and business  option  Prepares  students  to  work   in furniture manufacturing  and cabinet  shops  and gives  them  skills in  business

including accounting, marketing and human resources. Students that choose this option could operate a small business in wood products.

Curriculum Requirements - 60 Credits

 Suggested Course Sequence - Finish Carpentry

Suggested Course Sequence - Furniture Production & Business Option