SA Coffin and Casket Training

a) Templates - The course material you receive will have templates of the various coffin sizes. These are used to make the 7 different sizes of coffin jigs. Once your jigs are done you will have no further need for the templates, as the jigs stay in your workshop for future use. Suggest hang your jigs against the wall and if a customer requires a number 5 coffin, you can remove the number 5 jig and use it to make the coffin. Students will make the number 2 infant jig.
b) Hard Templates for the caskets are not imperitive, but can be created to make tracing easier and quicker. It is enough to have a print-out of the sizes, in a protective sheet / laminate, and in an easy access location.

A cutting list have 3 main purposes:

a) To ensure that all components are accounted for before cutting commences.
b) To enable easier recall when constructing a box, plus provide directions.
c) Easier optimisation of materials

It is prudent to always use cut lists for the various sizes. It also helps when optimising cutting operations and can assist subcontracted cutting shops with accurate optimisation. It is also useful when checking that you have all panels.

Cutting of the different panels will be demonstrated to students. Pre-cut panels will be used by students for later assembly. This acts as a time and attention saving technique. Good cutting practice will be explained as well as hints and tips on using saw tracks, sacrificial boards and clamping techniques. Angles and methods of cutting will be demonstrated as well as the cutting order.

During the course various fasteners and glues will be discussed and explained. It is however prefferable not to use the various glues during the lesson as this gives the student of the option later for study purposes.

Students will be taught the entire manufacturing process of the jig, coffin and casket, students will assemble all the panels and once done these will be inspected by the tutor and provide advice where needed. Different joinery techniques will be covered by the tutor. Once done the painting and staining will be covered and demonstrated by the tutor. Different spray and buffing techniques will be discussed. Lastly the interior lining and fittings will be covered. Any questions students may still have will now be covered. This will conclude the manufacturing process of a coffin and casket.