Terms
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 5 Cut Method | The 5 cut method is a technique used in woodworking to ensure accurate and precise measurements, particularly when cutting angles or lengths for critical joints like those in furniture making or cabinetry. |
| Bench Dog | A peg-like device used in conjunction with a bench vise to secure workpieces to a workbench during woodworking tasks. |
| Caul | A caul (pronounced "call") is simply a stiff piece of wood used to apply pressure where a clamp can't reach. |
| Chip Carving | A style of wood carving where small chips or pieces of wood are removed to create intricate patterns or designs. |
| Dado | A square-grooved slot cut across the grain of a piece of wood, typically to receive another piece for joining. |
| Dovetail Joint | A strong, interlocking woodworking joint characterized by its trapezoidal-shaped pins and tails. |
| Dowel | A cylindrical wooden rod used as a fastener or support in woodworking projects. |
| Drill Bit | A cutting tool used with a drill to bore holes in wood or other materials in woodworking projects. |
| Dust Collection System | A system of hoses, filters, and collection bags used to capture and contain sawdust and debris generated during woodworking. |
| Dust Mask | A protective mask worn over the nose and mouth to prevent inhalation of sawdust and other airborne particles while woodworking. |
| French Cleat | A French cleat is a woodworking technique where two interlocking beveled strips of wood are used to securely hang cabinets, shelves, or other heavy items on a wall. One strip is mounted on the wall, while the other is attached to the back of the object being hung, creating a strong and stable support system. |
| Gouge | A chisel-like tool with a curved cutting edge, used for carving or shaping wood. |
| Grain Direction | The orientation of wood fibers in a piece of wood, which affects how it can be worked and its strength properties. |
| Jig | A device or template used to guide cutting, drilling, or shaping operations to ensure accuracy and repeatability. |
| Mortise and Tenon | A woodworking joint made by inserting a tenon on the end of one piece into a mortise cut into the other piece. |
| Proud | In woodworking, "proud" refers to a condition where a component, such as a panel or a piece of trim, extends slightly beyond the surface it is intended to be flush with. This protrusion can be intentional for aesthetic purposes or due to errors in measurement or assembly. For example, if a panel is proud of the surrounding frame, it means that the panel sticks out slightly beyond the frame's surface. Similarly, if a piece of trim is proud of the surface it is attached to, it means that the trim extends beyond that surface. While a proud component can sometimes be intentional to create visual interest or emphasis, it is often considered a defect in woodworking, especially if the protrusion is unintended. In such cases, adjustments may be necessary to ensure that all components are flush and aligned properly for a clean and professional finish. |
| Rabbet Joint | A woodworking joint formed by cutting a groove along the edge of one board and fitting another board into it. |
| Rotary Tool | A handheld power tool with a rotating bit used for cutting, grinding, carving, and shaping wood and other materials. |
| Router Bit | A cutting tool attachment for a router used for shaping, hollowing, and cutting various profiles into wood. |
| Router Fence | A guide or barrier attached to a router table to help control the direction of the cutting tool and maintain accuracy. |
| Router Guide Bushing | A bushing used with a router for guiding the cutting tool along predetermined paths or templates. |
| Sandpaper | Abrasive paper used for smoothing surfaces or removing material from wood. |
| Scraper | A flat, edged tool used for smoothing wood surfaces by scraping away thin layers of material. |
| Snipe | In woodworking, "snipe" refers to a defect that can occur when planing or jointing wood. It typically appears as deeper cuts or gouges at the beginning or end of a board, where the wood is fed into or out of the planer or jointer. Snipe can be caused by various factors such as improper adjustment of the machine, uneven pressure on the wood, or inconsistencies in the wood's grain direction. It is undesirable because it can ruin the surface quality of the wood and require additional work to rectify. Woodworkers often take measures to minimize or eliminate snipe, such as adjusting the machine's settings, using sacrificial boards, or supporting the wood properly during the planing or jointing process. |
| Stain | A coloring substance that is applied to wood surfaces to alter or enhance their color. |
| Varnish | A transparent, protective finish or film that is applied to wood surfaces to enhance their appearance and durability. |
| Veneer | Thin slices of wood used to cover other surfaces for decorative purposes. |
| Wood Burning | A decorative technique that involves using a heated tool to create designs or patterns on wood surfaces. |
| Wood Carving | The art of cutting and shaping wood using knives, chisels, gouges, and other carving tools. |
| Wood Filler | A substance used to fill gaps, cracks, and holes in wood surfaces before finishing or painting. |
| Wood Finish | Any substance applied to wood surfaces to protect, seal, or enhance their appearance. |
| Wood Glue | Adhesive specifically designed for bonding pieces of wood together. |
| Wood Grain | The direction, alignment, and pattern of wood fibers in a piece of wood, which affects its appearance and workability. |
| Wood Species | Different types or varieties of wood, each with its own unique characteristics, such as grain pattern and color. |
| Woodturning | A woodworking technique used to create symmetrical shapes on a lathe by rotating a piece of wood against cutting tools. |
| Woodworking Bench | A sturdy table or work surface specifically designed for woodworking tasks, such as cutting, shaping, and assembling wood. |
| Woodworking Plan | A detailed set of instructions or diagrams outlining the steps and materials needed to complete a woodworking project. |
| Workbench | A sturdy table used by woodworkers for various tasks, such as cutting, sanding, and assembling wood pieces. |
| Workpiece | A piece of wood or material being worked on or shaped by woodworking tools or techniques. |