Glossary

The A to Z of Woodworking

Discover a detailed glossary of woodworking terms, from common tools like adzes and augers to intricate techniques and materials. Enhance your woodworking knowledge and skills with this comprehensive guide.

Woodworking Terms: A

  • Adze: An ancient woodworking tool with a curved blade used for shaping and carving wood, particularly in making bowls and other curved surfaces.
  • Awl: A pointed tool used for marking wood and making small holes, usually for starting screws or nails.
  • Auger: A drill bit or hand tool used for boring holes into wood. It has a helical screw blade that helps remove the wood as it drills.
  • Angle Grinder: A versatile power tool with a rotating abrasive disc, used for cutting, grinding, and polishing wood and other materials.
  • Allen Wrench: Also known as a hex key, it is used for driving bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets.
  • Adhesive: Various glues and bonding agents used in woodworking to join pieces of wood together. Common types include PVA glue, epoxy, and polyurethane glue.
  • Abrasive: Materials like sandpaper or emery cloth used to smooth or polish wood surfaces by rubbing away small particles.
  • Aniline Dye: A type of wood dye made from aniline, used for colouring wood without obscuring the grain.
  • Axle: A rod or spindle (either fixed or rotating) passing through the centre of a wheel or group of wheels, in woodworking often found in machinery.
  • Angle Finder: A tool used to measure and duplicate angles, helping to ensure accurate cuts and joins.
  • Air Compressor: A machine that provides a supply of compressed air for operating pneumatic tools like nail guns and sprayers.
  • Adjustable Square: A tool used for marking and measuring angles and ensuring precision in cuts and joins.
  • Arbor: The shaft or spindle on which a saw blade or other tool is mounted.
  • Assembling Jig: A jig or fixture used to hold pieces of wood in place while assembling or gluing.
  • Ash: A type of hardwood commonly used in woodworking due to its strength, hardness, and attractive grain pattern.
  • Alligator Wrench: A tool used for turning pipes or other rounded objects. It has serrated jaws that grip the object firmly.
  • Angle Cut: A cut made at an angle other than 90 degrees, often used in creating joints and decorative edges.
  • Architrave: A moulding that frames a door, window, or other opening, often used for decorative purposes.
  • Awning: A secondary covering attached to the exterior wall of a building, often made from wood in traditional woodworking.
  • Axminster Joint: A type of woodworking joint used primarily in furniture making, known for its strength and durability.

Woodworking Terms: B

  • Back Saw: A hand saw with a stiffened back edge to provide better control and precision, often used in joinery for making fine cuts.
  • Band Saw: A power saw with a long, flexible blade consisting of a continuous band of metal with teeth along one edge, used for cutting curves and irregular shapes in wood.
  • Bevel: An angled cut or edge, often used to create joints or decorative finishes on woodworking projects.
  • Biscuit Joiner: A woodworking tool used to join two pieces of wood together by inserting a biscuit (a small, oval-shaped piece of compressed wood) into matching slots cut in each piece.
  • Block Plane: A small hand plane used for smoothing and trimming end grain, edges, and small surfaces.
  • Brad Nailer: A type of nail gun used to drive small, thin nails (brads) into wood, commonly used in trim work and cabinetry.
  • Brace: A hand tool used with an auger bit to manually drill holes in wood. It consists of a crank-shaped handle with a chuck at one end to hold the bit.
  • Burnisher: A tool used to smooth and polish wood surfaces or to maintain the edge of a scraper blade.
  • Butt Joint: A simple woodworking joint where two pieces of wood are joined end to end or edge to edge without any special shaping of the ends or edges.
  • Burl: A growth on a tree that results in a highly figured wood grain, often used for decorative purposes in woodworking.
  • Bench Dog: A peg or stop that fits into holes in a workbench, used to hold workpieces firmly in place while working.
  • Board Foot: A unit of measurement for lumber, representing a volume of wood 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
  • Bow Saw: A hand saw with a thin blade held in tension by a wooden frame, used for cutting curves and detailed shapes in wood.
  • Box Joint: A strong woodworking joint made by cutting interlocking rectangular slots into the ends of two pieces of wood, often used in box and drawer construction.
  • Brace and Bit: A traditional hand tool combination used for drilling holes in wood, consisting of a crank-shaped handle (brace) and a drill bit.
  • Bench Chisel: A type of chisel with a straight, bevelled edge, used for general woodworking tasks such as paring and chopping.
  • Box Beam Level: A type of level with a hollow rectangular cross-section, used for checking the levelness or plumbness of a surface.
  • Bar Clamp: A type of clamp with a long, adjustable bar, used for holding large workpieces together during assembly or glue-up.
  • Butt Hinge: A hinge with two rectangular leaves that are mortised into the edges of the door and the frame, allowing the door to swing open and closed.

Woodworking Terms: C

  • Cabinet Scraper: A flat, rectangular tool used for smoothing and finishing wood surfaces, often producing a finer finish than sandpaper.
  • Caliper: A measuring tool used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object, often used in woodworking for precision measurements.
  • Cambium: The thin layer of living cells between the bark and the wood of a tree, responsible for the growth of new wood and bark.
  • Carbide Tip: A durable, heat-resistant tip made from carbide material, often used on saw blades and router bits for longer-lasting sharpness.
  • Carving Chisel: A chisel with a specially shaped blade used for carving intricate designs and details in wood.
  • Caul: A straight or curved piece of wood used to apply even pressure across a surface during gluing or clamping.
  • Chamfer: An angled cut or bevel along the edge of a piece of wood, often used for decorative purposes or to remove sharp edges.
  • Chuck: A clamping device used to hold a drill bit, router bit, or other tool in place on a power tool or machine.
  • Clamp: A tool used to hold pieces of wood together tightly while glue dries or during assembly.
  • Clear Finish: A transparent coating applied to wood to protect it and enhance its natural beauty without adding colour.
  • Combination Square: A versatile tool used for measuring and marking 90-degree and 45-degree angles, as well as for measuring depths.
  • Compass: A tool with two legs, one with a point and the other with a pencil, used for drawing circles or arcs on wood.
  • Coping Saw: A hand saw with a thin, narrow blade held in a U-shaped frame, used for cutting intricate shapes and curves in wood.
  • Core Box Bit: A router bit used for cutting rounded grooves or channels in wood, often used in making mouldings or decorative edges.
  • Crosscut: A cut made perpendicular to the grain of the wood, typically using a crosscut saw or miter saw.
  • Curl: A decorative grain pattern in wood, often found in species like maple and cherry, caused by irregular growth.
  • Cutting Gauge: A marking tool with a sharp blade used for scoring lines parallel to the edge of a piece of wood.
  • Countersink: A conical hole cut into a material to allow the head of a screw to sit flush with or below the surface.
  • Cabinetmaker: A skilled woodworker who specialises in making fine furniture and cabinetry.

Woodworking Terms: D

  • Dado: A square or rectangular groove cut across the grain of a piece of wood, used to join two pieces together at right angles.
  • Danish Oil: A wood finish that penetrates deeply into the wood, providing a durable, water-resistant finish with a natural appearance.
  • Dead Blow Hammer: A hammer with an interior cavity filled with sand or steel shot, which helps prevent the hammer from bouncing back after striking.
  • Dovetail Joint: A strong woodworking joint made by interlocking trapezoidal pins and tails, often used in drawer construction.
  • Doweling Jig: A tool used to ensure accurate and consistent alignment of dowel holes when joining two pieces of wood with dowels.
  • Draw Knife: A hand tool with a blade and handles on both ends, used for shaping wood by removing shavings.
  • Drill Press: A stationary power tool used for drilling precise holes, with a vertical spindle that holds the drill bit.
  • Dry Fit: The process of assembling pieces of wood without glue to ensure proper fit and alignment before final assembly.
  • Dust Collector: A system or device used to capture and collect wood dust and chips produced during woodworking.
  • Dowel: A cylindrical rod, usually made of wood, used to reinforce joints and add strength to connections between pieces of wood.
  • Dividers: A tool with two pointed legs used to scribe circles or arcs and to measure distances on wood.
  • Disc Sander: A power tool with a circular sanding disc used for smoothing and shaping wood surfaces.
  • Depth Gauge: A tool used to measure the depth of holes, grooves, or recesses in woodworking.
  • Dog Hole: A hole in a workbench designed to hold a bench dog, used to secure workpieces during woodworking.
  • Dowel Center: A metal insert placed in a dowel hole to mark the location for the corresponding dowel hole in the mating piece of wood.
  • Dressing: The process of smoothing and squaring the surfaces of a piece of wood, usually using a plane or jointer.
  • Dado Blade: A circular saw blade or set of blades used to cut dadoes and grooves in wood.
  • Detail Sander: A small, handheld power sander used for sanding tight spots and intricate details in woodworking projects.
  • Double Tenon: A type of tenon joint where two tenons are cut side by side on the same piece of wood, providing extra strength.
  • Drawbore: A technique used to pull a tenon tightly into its mortise by driving a peg through offset holes in the tenon and mortise.

Woodworking Terms: E

  • Edge Banding: A thin strip of wood or plastic applied to the edges of plywood or particleboard to create a finished look.
  • Epoxy: A strong adhesive or coating made from a mixture of resin and hardener, used for bonding, filling, and finishing in woodworking.
  • End Grain: The grain of wood as seen when it is cut across the growth rings, usually at the end of a board.
  • Edge Joint: A woodworking joint where two edges of wood are joined together, commonly used in making wider boards from narrower ones.
  • Emery Cloth: A type of abrasive cloth used for sanding and polishing wood and metal surfaces.
  • Edge Sander: A power tool used to sand the edges of wood pieces, often used for smoothing and finishing.
  • End Mill: A milling cutter used in machining, but sometimes employed in advanced woodworking for precise cutting and shaping.
  • Expansion Joint: A gap left between pieces of wood to allow for expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity and temperature.
  • Edge Grain: The grain pattern visible on the edge of a board, often used for cutting boards and tabletops due to its durability.
  • Excelsior: Thin wood shavings used for packing, cushioning, and as a material for making wood wool boards.
  • Edge Profile: The shape or contour of the edge of a piece of wood, often created using router bits for decorative purposes.
  • Escutcheon: A decorative plate or flange used to cover a keyhole, lock, or other hardware on furniture or doors.
  • Epoxy Resin: A type of epoxy used for casting, coating, and filling in woodworking, often creating a clear, hard finish.
  • Extension Table: An additional table surface that can be attached to a woodworking machine, such as a table saw, to support larger workpieces.
  • English Mortise: A traditional mortise joint technique used in British woodworking, known for its strength and durability.
  • Elbow Clamp: A type of clamp with a swivel pad that allows it to apply pressure at an angle, often used in awkward or tight spaces.
  • Edge Router: A router used specifically for shaping and finishing the edges of wood pieces with various profiles.
  • End Router: A router used for cutting and shaping the ends of wood pieces, often in joinery work.
  • Extrusion: A manufacturing process where material is pushed through a die to create long shapes with a consistent cross-section, sometimes used in woodworking for mouldings and trim.

Woodworking Terms: F

  • Featherboard: A safety device used to hold wood against a fence or table while cutting, ensuring a straight cut and preventing kickback.
  • File: A hand tool with a rough surface used to shape, smooth, or remove material from wood, metal, or other surfaces.
  • Finial: An ornamental feature at the top or end of a piece of furniture, often used as a decorative cap or knob.
  • Finger Joint: A woodworking joint made by cutting a series of interlocking fingers into the ends of two pieces of wood, used to join them end-to-end.
  • Flush Cut Saw: A saw with a flexible blade that allows it to cut off protruding dowels, plugs, or tenons flush with the surface.
  • Fore Plane: A woodworking plane used for smoothing and flattening rough lumber, typically longer than a smoothing plane.
  • Fret Saw: A saw with a thin, narrow blade used for cutting intricate curves and details in wood, often used in scrollwork and marquetry.
  • French Polish: A wood finishing technique using shellac applied in thin layers with a rubbing pad, resulting in a high-gloss finish.
  • Face Grain: The grain pattern visible on the widest surface of a piece of wood, often the most visually appealing and used for show surfaces.
  • Feather Edge: A very thin, tapered edge on a piece of wood, often created during planing or sanding.
  • Fence: A straight guide on a woodworking machine, such as a table saw or router table, used to control the path of the wood being cut.
  • Fingerboard: A strip of wood, often used in musical instrument making, where the fingers are placed to produce different notes.
  • Flush Trim Bit: A router bit used to trim the edge of one piece of wood flush with the edge of another, often using a bearing to guide the cut.
  • Face Frame: A frame attached to the front of a cabinet box, providing a decorative finish and supporting the cabinet doors.
  • Forstner Bit: A type of drill bit used for boring flat-bottomed holes in wood, often used for creating large, clean holes.
  • Flitch: A slab of wood, typically a thick slice cut from a log, often used for veneer or as a reference for matching grain patterns.
  • Fuming: A wood finishing technique involving exposing wood to ammonia vapour, which reacts with the tannins in the wood to darken and enhance the grain.
  • Frame Saw: A saw with a narrow blade held in tension within a rectangular frame, used for cutting logs into boards or for fine joinery work.
  • Flat Sawn: A method of cutting wood where the log is sliced tangentially to the growth rings, resulting in a distinctive grain pattern.
  • Fretwork: Decorative, openwork patterns cut into wood, often used in furniture, cabinetry, and architectural elements.

Woodworking Terms: G

  • Gage (Gauge): A tool used to measure or mark wood for cutting, such as a marking gauge or a thickness gauge.
  • G-clamp: A type of clamp in the shape of a “G” used to hold pieces of wood together while gluing or assembling.
  • Grain: The arrangement, direction, and appearance of the fibres in a piece of wood, affecting its strength and workability.
  • Glue: An adhesive substance used to bond pieces of wood together. Common types include PVA, epoxy, and polyurethane glue.
  • Groove: A long, narrow cut or channel made in a piece of wood, often used for joinery such as in tongue and groove joints.
  • Gouge: A chisel with a curved cutting edge, used for carving and shaping wood.
  • Grinder: A power tool with a rotating abrasive wheel, used for sharpening tools and shaping wood.
  • Guide: A device or tool used to direct the movement of a cutting tool, ensuring accuracy and consistency in cuts.
  • Grit: The measure of the size of abrasive particles in sandpaper, with higher numbers indicating finer abrasives for smoother finishes.
  • Gusset: A reinforcing piece of wood or metal added to strengthen a joint or frame.
  • Gauge Block: A precision tool used to set or measure the gap or distance in woodworking machinery setup.
  • Gesso: A mixture of plaster and glue applied to wood as a base for painting or gilding.
  • Gable: The triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof, often involving wood framing.
  • Glaze: A thin, translucent coating applied to wood to enhance its appearance and protect the surface.
  • Grain Filler: A substance used to fill the pores in open-grained wood to create a smooth, even surface for finishing.
  • Gunstock: A type of joint or shape resembling the stock of a gun, often used in furniture design for aesthetic purposes.
  • Garnet Paper: A type of sandpaper with garnet abrasive particles, known for its smooth cutting action on wood.
  • Grain Raising: The swelling of wood fibres when exposed to moisture, often occurring during the finishing process.
  • Green Wood: Wood that has been freshly cut and has not yet dried, often used in traditional woodworking and carving.
  • Glue Line: The line of adhesive that forms between two pieces of wood when they are joined together.

Woodworking Terms: H

  • Hardwood: Wood from deciduous trees, such as oak, maple, and cherry, known for its strength and durability.
  • Hand Plane: A tool used to smooth or shape wood by shaving thin layers off the surface, available in various sizes and types.
  • Hinge: A mechanical device that allows a door, lid, or other object to pivot open and closed, typically made of metal or plastic.
  • Half Lap Joint: A woodworking joint where half the thickness of each of two pieces of wood is removed so they can overlap and form a flush surface.
  • Handsaw: A manual saw with a handle and a toothed blade, used for cutting wood by hand.
  • Heirloom Wood: Wood that is of high quality and often used in crafting pieces intended to be passed down through generations.
  • Hammer: A tool with a heavy head and a handle, used for driving nails or breaking objects apart.
  • Heartwood: The dense, inner part of a tree trunk, often darker and more durable than the outer sapwood.
  • Helical Cutterhead: A type of cutterhead used in planers and jointers, featuring multiple small, spiral-shaped cutting edges for a smoother finish.
  • High-Speed Steel (HSS): A type of tool steel known for its ability to retain hardness at high temperatures, used in drill bits and other cutting tools.
  • Holdfast: A clamping device used to secure a workpiece to a workbench, typically activated by a hammer blow.
  • Hollow Chisel Mortiser: A machine used to cut square or rectangular holes (mortises) in wood, using a hollow chisel with an auger bit inside.
  • Hydraulic Press: A machine that uses hydraulic pressure to shape or compress wood, often used in veneer work.
  • Honing Guide: A tool used to hold a chisel or plane blade at a consistent angle for sharpening.
  • Hand Drill: A manually operated tool used for drilling holes in wood, typically with a crank handle.
  • Hardboard: A type of engineered wood product made from compressed wood fibres, often used for furniture backs and drawer bottoms.
  • Hogging: The process of quickly removing large amounts of material, often with a power tool, to rough out a shape or reduce thickness.
  • Hairline Joint: An extremely tight joint where the seam between two pieces of wood is barely visible.
  • Hand Router: A manual tool used to hollow out an area in the face of a piece of wood, typically for inlay work or creating decorative edges.
  • Herringbone: A pattern made up of rows of parallel lines that slope in opposite directions, often used in parquet flooring.

Woodworking Terms: I

  • Inlay: A decorative technique where pieces of contrasting material are set into the surface of wood to create patterns or images.
  • Impact Driver: A power tool used for driving screws and bolts with high torque, often used in woodworking for its efficiency.
  • Incra Jig: A precision woodworking tool used for making accurate cuts, joints, and patterns, especially useful in dovetail and box joints.
  • Ironwood: A term used for various types of dense, hard woods known for their durability and resistance to wear.
  • Interlocking Joint: A woodworking joint where two pieces of wood are shaped to fit together tightly, providing strength and stability.
  • Ivorywood: A type of wood known for its pale colour and fine grain, often used in decorative woodworking and inlays.
  • Irons: The blades or cutting edges of planes and other hand tools, often made of high-carbon steel.
  • Indian Rosewood: A type of hardwood known for its rich colour and fine grain, commonly used in high-quality furniture and musical instruments.
  • Incise: To cut or carve into the surface of wood, often used for decorative purposes or to create inscriptions.
  • Insert: A replaceable part of a woodworking tool or machine, such as a router bit insert, used to extend the tool’s life or change its function.
  • Italian Olivewood: A type of wood known for its distinctive grain patterns and smooth texture, often used in fine woodworking and turning projects.
  • Inch Gauge: A measuring tool marked in inches, used for precise measurements in woodworking projects.
  • Indent: A recess or hollow made in the surface of wood, often used for decorative effects or as a guide for joinery.
  • Industrial Router: A heavy-duty router used in professional woodworking shops for shaping and cutting wood on a large scale.
  • Infeed Table: The part of a woodworking machine where the wood enters before being cut or processed, ensuring smooth and accurate feeding.
  • Initial Cut: The first cut made in a piece of wood, often to rough out the basic shape before finer work is done.
  • Injection Molded: A process where liquid material is injected into a mold to create parts, sometimes used for producing woodworking tool components.
  • Inside Corner: The angle formed by two meeting surfaces of wood that come together at an interior angle.
  • Invisible Hinge: A hinge designed to be hidden from view when the door or panel is closed, providing a clean and seamless appearance.
  • Ironwood Plane: A type of woodworking plane with a body made from ironwood, valued for its durability and smooth operation.

Woodworking Terms: J

  • Jack Plane: A medium-sized hand plane used for general-purpose smoothing and flattening of wood surfaces.
  • Jig: A custom-made tool or fixture used to control the location and motion of another tool, ensuring precision and repeatability in woodworking tasks.
  • Jigsaw: A power tool with a reciprocating blade used to cut curves and complex shapes in wood.
  • Joiner: A woodworking machine used to produce flat surfaces and square edges, essential for making accurate joints.
  • Jointer: A machine used to flatten, square, and straighten the edges of boards, ensuring they fit together tightly in joints.
  • Joint: The point where two pieces of wood are connected, commonly used joints include butt joints, dovetail joints, and mortise-and-tenon joints.
  • Jointing: The process of preparing the edges of boards to be joined together, ensuring they are flat and square.
  • Japanese Saw: A type of saw with a thin, flexible blade that cuts on the pull stroke, known for its precision and clean cuts.
  • Jamb: The vertical sides of a door or window frame, often made of wood and essential for proper installation and operation.
  • Jointer Plane: A long hand plane used for flattening and straightening the edges of boards, essential for edge jointing.
  • Jam Chuck: A type of chuck used in woodturning to hold a workpiece by friction, allowing it to be turned and finished.
  • Jig Saw Blade: The replaceable blade used in a jigsaw, available in various types and sizes for cutting different materials.
  • Jigging: The process of using a jig to guide a tool or workpiece, ensuring accuracy and consistency in repetitive tasks.
  • Jamb Saw: A specialized saw used for cutting door jambs and trim, typically to allow for the installation of flooring.
  • Jointer Fence: A guide attached to a jointer to ensure the wood is fed through at the correct angle, maintaining square edges.
  • Jack Screw: A screw used in jigs and fixtures to make fine adjustments, ensuring precise alignment and positioning.
  • Joint Tape: A tape used to reinforce and cover joints, particularly in drywall, but also applicable in some woodworking tasks.
  • Joggle Joint: A joint where one piece of wood is notched to fit into a corresponding notch in another piece, providing a strong connection.
  • Jack Stud: A vertical framing member that supports a header above a door or window opening, often made from wood.
  • Joint Compound: A material used to fill and finish joints, particularly in drywall, but also used in woodworking to fill gaps and smooth surfaces.

Woodworking Terms: K

  • Kerf: The width of the cut made by a saw blade, which determines how much material is removed during cutting.
  • Kiln: A type of oven used for drying wood to reduce its moisture content, preventing warping and cracking.
  • Knot: A hard, cross-grained mass of wood where a branch was once attached to the tree, often affecting the strength and appearance of lumber.
  • Knockdown Joint: A type of joint designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, commonly used in flat-pack furniture.
  • Keyhole Saw: A narrow saw used for cutting small, often intricate shapes or keyholes in wood.
  • Kickback: A dangerous occurrence where a piece of wood is violently thrown back towards the operator, usually from a table saw or similar tool.
  • Knurled: A textured finish on a tool or fastener, providing better grip and handling.
  • Kingwood: A dense, dark wood known for its fine texture and striking grain patterns, often used in fine furniture and decorative items.
  • Kreg Jig: A popular brand of jig used for creating pocket holes, which are angled holes drilled into a piece of wood to join it to another piece with screws.
  • Kumiko: A traditional Japanese technique of assembling wooden pieces without nails, often used in creating intricate latticework.
  • Kerfing: The process of making a series of cuts in a piece of wood to allow it to bend, often used in constructing curved shapes.
  • Knee Brace: A diagonal support placed between two other structural members, adding strength and stability.
  • Knockdown Fitting: A type of hardware used in furniture that allows it to be easily assembled and disassembled, such as cam locks and connector bolts.
  • Krenov-style Plane: A hand plane designed and popularised by woodworker James Krenov, known for its simple, effective design and wooden body.
  • Keyed Joint: A type of joint that uses a separate piece, or “key,” to lock the two pieces of wood together, adding strength and stability.
  • Kitchen Cabinet: Storage units commonly found in kitchens, made of wood or other materials, often requiring precise joinery and finishing techniques.
  • Knife Hinge: A type of hinge with a thin, blade-like profile, allowing for a very tight and unobtrusive fitting in fine cabinetry.
  • Kiln-dried Lumber: Wood that has been dried in a kiln to a specific moisture content, making it stable and less likely to warp or crack.
  • Kerf Spacer: A tool or jig used to maintain a consistent kerf width when making multiple cuts, ensuring even spacing.
  • Keyhole Router Bit: A specialised router bit used to cut keyhole-shaped slots, allowing objects to be hung securely on a wall.

Woodworking Terms: L

  • Lacquer: A clear or coloured wood finish that dries by solvent evaporation, providing a durable, hard, and glossy surface.
  • Lag Screw: A large, heavy-duty screw with a hexagonal head, used for fastening wood to wood or wood to metal.
  • Laminate: A product made by bonding together multiple layers of material, often used as a surface finish for furniture and countertops.
  • Lamination: The process of gluing together multiple layers of wood or other materials to create a strong, stable composite.
  • Lap Joint: A type of joint where two pieces of wood overlap each other, often used in framing and structural applications.
  • Lathe: A machine used for shaping wood by rotating the workpiece against a cutting tool, commonly used in turning projects.
  • Layout Square: A tool used for marking and measuring angles, ensuring accuracy in woodworking layouts.
  • Lipping: A strip of solid wood applied to the edge of a piece of veneered or laminated board to hide the exposed edge.
  • Long Grain: The direction of the wood fibres running lengthwise along a board, as opposed to across the width (cross-grain).
  • Luthier: A craftsman who builds and repairs stringed instruments, such as guitars and violins, often working with fine woods.
  • Lap Strake: A method of boatbuilding where the edges of planks overlap each other, creating a strong and watertight hull.
  • Lag Bolt: A type of fastener similar to a lag screw but typically larger and used for heavy-duty applications.
  • Load-Bearing: Refers to a structural component, such as a beam or column, that supports weight and transfers it to the foundation.
  • Laser Level: A tool that projects a laser beam to establish a level line or plane, aiding in precise alignment and measurements.
  • Lattice: A framework of crossed strips of wood or metal, often used as a decorative or supportive structure in woodworking.
  • Live Edge: The natural edge of a piece of wood that is left uncut, retaining the original shape of the tree, often used in rustic or natural designs.
  • Lignin: A complex organic polymer found in wood, providing rigidity and resistance to rotting.
  • Lock Miter Joint: A strong woodworking joint where the edges of two pieces of wood are shaped to interlock at a 45-degree angle, often used in box construction.
  • Lipping Plane: A special type of plane used for trimming the lippings (edges) of veneered or laminated panels to ensure they are flush.
  • Lap Dovetail: A dovetail joint where one piece of wood laps over the other, combining the strength of a dovetail with the simplicity of a lap joint.

Woodworking Terms: M

  • Mallet: A type of hammer with a large, typically wooden head, used for driving chisels and tapping joints together without damaging the wood.
  • Mortise: A rectangular hole cut into a piece of wood to accept a tenon, forming a strong joint.
  • Mortise and Tenon Joint: A traditional woodworking joint where a tenon (a projection) on one piece of wood fits into a mortise on another, providing strength and stability.
  • Mitre Joint: A joint made by beveling each of two parts to be joined, usually at a 45-degree angle, to form a corner, typically a right angle.
  • Mitre Saw: A saw used to make accurate crosscuts and mitres in a workpiece, usually mounted on a pivoting arm for angled cuts.
  • Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF): An engineered wood product made from compressed wood fibres and resin, known for its smooth surface and versatility.
  • Marking Gauge: A tool used for marking precise lines parallel to the edge of a piece of wood, ensuring accurate cuts and joints.
  • Moisture Meter: A device used to measure the moisture content in wood, ensuring it is properly dried before use to prevent warping and splitting.
  • Millwork: Woodwork produced in a mill, such as doors, window frames, and mouldings, often customised for specific building projects.
  • Moulding: A decorative strip of wood used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decorative purposes, such as crown moulding or baseboards.
  • Mitre Box: A tool used to guide a hand saw to make accurate mitre cuts, typically at 45 and 90 degrees.
  • Mill: A machine used for cutting, shaping, or finishing wood, often referring to industrial equipment like planers and jointers.
  • Mitre Gauge: An adjustable guide used on table saws and band saws to make accurate crosscuts and angled cuts.
  • Maple: A hardwood known for its strength, smooth grain, and light colour, commonly used in furniture and cabinetry.
  • Milling: The process of machining wood into specific shapes and sizes, often involving planing, sawing, and jointing.
  • Mohawk File: A type of file with a distinctive shape, used for smoothing and shaping wood and other materials.
  • Miter Joint: A joint made by joining two pieces of wood at an angle, often used for frames and trim work.
  • Multi-Tool: A versatile power tool with interchangeable attachments for sanding, cutting, scraping, and other tasks in woodworking.
  • Micro-Adjust: A feature on some woodworking tools that allows for very fine adjustments to ensure precision and accuracy.
  • Microplane: A type of rasp with extremely sharp, small blades, used for fine shaping and smoothing of wood surfaces.
  • Mortise Chisel: A chisel designed specifically for cutting mortises, with a thicker, stronger blade to withstand heavy mallet blows.
  • Miter Box Saw: A saw used in conjunction with a mitre box to make precise angled cuts, often in trim and moulding work.
  • Muntin: A strip of wood or metal separating and holding panes of glass in a window or door, also known as a glazing bar.
  • Mortising Machine: A power tool used for cutting mortises in wood, often with a hollow chisel and an auger for efficiency.
  • Masking Tape: A type of adhesive tape used to protect areas of woodwork during painting or finishing, easily removed without damaging the surface.
  • Monkey Tail: A decorative, curved end on a piece of woodwork, often found in traditional furniture and staircase designs.

Woodworking Terms: N

  • Nail: A slender, typically metal, fastener driven into wood to hold pieces together, available in various sizes and types for different applications.
  • Nail Gun: A power tool that drives nails into wood quickly and efficiently, often used in framing, finishing, and trim work.
  • Nail Set: A small tool used to drive the head of a nail below the surface of the wood, allowing for a smooth finish when filled.
  • Nosing: The rounded edge of a stair tread or other horizontal surface, providing a finished look and added safety.
  • Nut: A type of fastener with a threaded hole, used in conjunction with a bolt to secure pieces of wood or other materials together.
  • Natural Finish: A wood finish that enhances the natural colour and grain of the wood without adding stain or pigment.
  • Newel Post: The main supporting post at the bottom or top of a staircase, often decorative and integral to the handrail system.
  • Nail Puller: A tool designed to remove nails from wood without damaging the surrounding material, often with a claw or plier-like mechanism.
  • Notching: The process of cutting a slot or groove into a piece of wood, often for joints or to fit around another piece.
  • Nadir: The lowest point in the sanding or planing process, often needing further smoothing to achieve a flat surface.
  • Nail Punch: A tool used to drive a nail below the surface of the wood, creating a small indent for filling and finishing.
  • Nut Driver: A hand tool used for tightening nuts and bolts, with a handle and a socket that fits over the nut.
  • Narrow Crown Stapler: A type of stapler that uses narrow crown staples, often used in cabinetmaking and trim work for a less visible fastener.
  • Natural Edge: The original edge of a piece of wood, often left intact for a rustic or organic look in furniture and decor.
  • Nicking: The small cuts or marks made on wood, often intentionally, to create texture or decorative effects.
  • Nail Apron: A tool belt worn by woodworkers to hold nails, small tools, and other essentials for easy access during projects.
  • Notch Trowel: A trowel with notches along one or both edges, used for spreading adhesives evenly, particularly in flooring and tiling.
  • Nib: A small projection on a piece of wood or tool, often used for alignment or as a stop during the woodworking process.
  • Nicking Tool: A tool used to create small decorative cuts or marks on the surface of wood, adding texture and detail.
  • Nut Plate: A metal plate with a threaded hole, used in woodworking to provide a secure mounting point for bolts or machine screws.

Woodworking Terms: O

  • Oil Finish: A wood finish that penetrates the surface to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the wood, often using oils like tung, linseed, or Danish oil.
  • Oscillating Tool: A versatile power tool with a rapidly moving head, used for sanding, cutting, and grinding in tight spaces.
  • Outfeed Table: A table positioned behind a saw or other woodworking machine to support and guide the workpiece as it exits the cutting area.
  • Overarm Router: A type of router mounted above a table, allowing for easier control and precision when routing intricate designs and edges.
  • Overlay: A method in cabinet construction where the doors and drawers sit on top of the cabinet frame, covering it completely or partially.
  • Ornamental Turning: A decorative form of woodturning where complex patterns and shapes are created on a lathe using specialised tools and techniques.
  • Open Grain: Wood with large, visible pores, such as oak and ash, which may require filling for a smooth finish.
  • Oxalic Acid: A chemical used in woodworking to bleach wood, remove stains, and clean metal parts.
  • Offset: The distance by which one component is out of alignment with another, often intentionally in joinery or decorative work.
  • Ogee: A decorative moulding profile featuring a double curve, resembling an “S” shape, often used in trim and panel work.
  • Onlay: A decorative piece of wood applied to the surface of a project for embellishment, often in furniture and cabinetry.
  • Oilstone: A type of sharpening stone used with oil to hone and sharpen woodworking tools like chisels and plane blades.
  • Oriented Strand Board (OSB): An engineered wood product made from compressed layers of wood strands, used for sheathing and subflooring.
  • Open Coat: A type of sandpaper where the abrasive grains are spaced apart, preventing clogging when sanding soft woods and other materials.
  • Offset Joint: A joint where the mating parts are intentionally offset from each other for structural or aesthetic reasons.
  • Oval Turning: A technique in woodturning where the workpiece is shaped into an oval profile instead of a round one, often using specialised equipment.
  • Overcut: A cut that extends beyond the intended line, often requiring repair or adjustment to the workpiece.
  • Operator Safety: Measures and practices put in place to ensure the safety of the person operating woodworking machinery and tools.
  • Overhead Router: A router mounted above a table or workpiece, allowing for precise control when routing patterns or edges from above.
  • Open Mortise: A type of mortise that is open on one side, often used in traditional joinery techniques.

Woodworking Terms: P

  • Panel Saw: A large saw used for cutting sheets of plywood and other panel materials, often mounted vertically or horizontally.
  • Planer: A machine used to smooth and flatten the surface of a piece of wood to a consistent thickness.
  • Particle Board: An engineered wood product made from wood chips and a synthetic resin, used in furniture and cabinetry.
  • Plunge Router: A type of router that allows the cutting bit to be lowered into the wood, providing control over the depth of cut.
  • Pocket Hole: An angled hole drilled into a piece of wood to join it to another piece with a screw, often using a jig for accuracy.
  • Plywood: A type of engineered wood made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together, known for its strength and versatility.
  • Polyurethane: A type of finish used to protect wood surfaces, available in both oil-based and water-based formulas.
  • Push Stick: A safety tool used to push wood through a table saw or other machinery, keeping hands away from the cutting blade.
  • PVA Glue: Polyvinyl acetate glue, commonly known as wood glue, used for bonding wood joints and surfaces.
  • Pin Router: A router mounted on a fixed arm, allowing for precise routing guided by a pin or template.
  • Plinth: A base or pedestal supporting a piece of furniture, often decorative and adding stability.
  • Paring Chisel: A chisel with a long blade used for fine, precise cutting and shaving of wood, especially in joinery work.
  • Pitch: The natural resin found in some woods, which can affect finishing and machining processes.
  • Plane: A hand tool used to smooth and flatten wood surfaces, available in various sizes and types for different tasks.
  • Parting Tool: A narrow chisel used in woodturning to cut off finished pieces or to create narrow grooves.
  • Pegboard: A board with evenly spaced holes, used for organizing tools and materials in a workshop.
  • Profile: The shape or contour of a moulding or trim piece, often created using router bits or specialized cutters.
  • Push Block: A safety device used to push wood through a jointer or other machinery, keeping hands away from the cutting area.
  • Pre-drilling: The act of drilling a small pilot hole before driving a screw, preventing the wood from splitting.
  • Pattern Bit: A router bit with a bearing that follows a template or pattern, allowing for precise duplication of shapes.
  • Pin Nail: A very thin nail used for delicate work, often in trim and moulding, where a larger nail would split the wood.
  • Plumb: A term referring to a surface or edge that is perfectly vertical, often checked using a plumb bob or spirit level.
  • Post: A vertical structural element, often used to support beams or as part of furniture design.
  • Poplar: A type of hardwood known for its light colour and fine texture, often used in furniture and cabinetry.
  • Panel Gauge: A tool used for marking wide boards or panels, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements.
  • Pegged Joint: A type of joint reinforced with wooden pegs, adding strength and durability to the connection.
  • Palm Sander: A small, handheld sander used for finishing and smoothing wood surfaces, typically using a square or rectangular sanding pad.
  • Protractor: A tool used for measuring and marking angles, essential in precise woodworking layout and joinery.
  • Pumice: A type of volcanic rock used as an abrasive for smoothing and polishing wood finishes.
  • Pencil Round: A slight rounding of the edge of a piece of wood, often created using a router bit for a soft, finished look.
  • Particle Filter: A protective mask or device used to filter out dust and particles, ensuring safety during sanding and cutting.
  • Plug Cutter: A tool used to cut wooden plugs that can be inserted into holes to conceal screws or other fasteners.
  • Patina: The natural aging process that occurs on the surface of wood, often giving it a desirable, weathered look.
  • Padauk: A type of exotic hardwood known for its rich, reddish colour and durability, often used in fine woodworking and furniture making.

Woodworking Terms: Q

  • Quarter Round: A moulding profile that is one-quarter of a full circle, commonly used for finishing edges and covering gaps between walls and floors.
  • Quartersawn: A method of cutting lumber where the growth rings are approximately perpendicular to the board’s surface, producing a more stable and visually appealing grain pattern.
  • Quirk: A small groove or indentation separating two mouldings or defining a moulding’s edge, adding detail and shadow lines.
  • Quick-release Vise: A type of vise with a mechanism that allows for rapid opening and closing, making it easier to clamp and release workpieces quickly.
  • Quoin: A decorative corner block used in architecture and woodworking, often giving the appearance of added strength and stability.
  • Quoining: The process of adding quoins to a structure or woodworking project, often for decorative effect.
  • Quarter-turn Valve: A valve that requires a 90-degree turn to open or close, often used in plumbing systems related to woodworking shops.
  • Quoining Chisel: A chisel specifically designed for cutting and shaping quoins, often used in detailed carpentry and masonry work.
  • Quartering: The process of dividing a log into quarters before further cutting into boards, ensuring more stable and uniform lumber.
  • Quarrel: A small, square piece of glass or wood used in decorative patterns, often in windows or paneling.
  • Quick-set Glue: A type of adhesive that sets rapidly, allowing for quicker assembly and handling of woodworking projects.
  • Quirk Bead: A small, decorative bead or ridge often found on mouldings, adding texture and visual interest to a woodworking project.
  • Quartering Saw: A saw designed for quartering logs, ensuring that the cuts are precise and the lumber produced is of high quality.
  • Quick-connect Fitting: A type of fitting used to easily connect and disconnect hoses or pipes, often found in woodworking dust collection systems.
  • Quarter-mould: A type of moulding used to create a quarter-circle profile, often used in decorative trim and edge work.

Woodworking Terms: R

  • Rabbet: A recess or groove cut into the edge of a piece of wood, allowing another piece to fit into it to form a joint.
  • Radial Arm Saw: A versatile saw with a circular blade mounted on a horizontal arm, used for making precise crosscuts, rip cuts, and mitres.
  • Rasp: A coarse file used for shaping wood, featuring raised teeth for aggressive material removal.
  • Router: A power tool used to hollow out an area in the face of a piece of wood, typically used for edging, shaping, and joinery.
  • Rip Cut: A cut made parallel to the grain of the wood, typically using a table saw or circular saw.
  • Radius: The distance from the centre of a circle to its edge, often used to describe rounded edges or curves in woodworking.
  • Riving Knife: A safety device installed on a table saw to prevent the cut pieces from pinching the blade and causing kickback.
  • Rabbet Joint: A joint made by fitting the rabbet of one piece of wood into a corresponding groove in another piece, providing strength and stability.
  • Rosewood: A dense, hard, and richly coloured wood often used in fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items.
  • Router Table: A table with a router mounted underneath, allowing for precise and controlled routing of wood pieces.
  • Resawing: The process of cutting a thick board into thinner boards, often using a band saw.
  • Rabbet Plane: A hand plane designed specifically for cutting rabbets, featuring a blade that extends to the full width of the tool.
  • Rough Sawn: Lumber that has been cut but not yet planed or sanded, often used in rustic or industrial woodworking projects.
  • Roundover Bit: A router bit used to create a rounded edge on a piece of wood, providing a smooth and finished look.
  • Radial Grain: The pattern of wood fibres as seen from a cut made along the radius of a log, often showing striking patterns.
  • Rub Joint: A joint made by applying glue and then rubbing the pieces together until they bond, often used in veneer work.
  • Resin: A natural or synthetic substance used in adhesives, finishes, and composite materials, providing durability and strength.
  • Rip Fence: A guide on a table saw used to keep the wood parallel to the blade during a rip cut.
  • Return: The continuation of a moulding or trim piece around a corner or back to a wall, creating a finished look.
  • Roughing Gouge: A woodturning tool used for quickly removing material and shaping the rough form of a spindle or bowl.
  • Ragged Joint: A woodworking joint that is not clean or precise, often requiring additional work to correct.
  • Rasp File: A type of file with coarse, raised teeth used for shaping and smoothing rough wood surfaces.
  • Rail: A horizontal member of a frame or panel construction, often found in doors, windows, and cabinetry.
  • Raised Panel: A panel with a centre portion that is higher than the surrounding frame, commonly used in doors and cabinetry.
  • Router Lift: A device that allows for easy and precise height adjustments of a router mounted in a router table.
  • Raking: The process of smoothing or flattening a surface, often using a plane or a straightedge.
  • Radiata Pine: A type of softwood known for its versatility and ease of use in woodworking, commonly used in construction and furniture making.
  • Rag Rolling: A finishing technique where a rag is rolled over a wet finish to create a textured pattern.
  • Rabbet Bit: A router bit designed for cutting rabbets, available in various sizes to create different depths and widths of cuts.

Woodworking Terms: S

  • Saw: A tool used for cutting wood, available in various types such as handsaws, circular saws, and band saws.
  • Sawhorse: A sturdy frame used to support wood being cut, often used in pairs to hold long pieces of lumber.
  • Sandpaper: A material with abrasive particles glued to a backing, used for smoothing and finishing wood surfaces.
  • Sapwood: The outer, lighter-colored wood of a tree, often softer and more prone to decay than heartwood.
  • Scraper: A hand tool used for smoothing wood surfaces by scraping away thin shavings, often producing a finer finish than sandpaper.
  • Scroll Saw: A saw with a fine blade used for cutting intricate curves and patterns in wood.
  • Spline: A thin strip of wood inserted into matching grooves in two pieces of wood to strengthen a joint.
  • Stile: A vertical piece in the frame of a door or window, providing structure and support.
  • Spokeshave: A hand tool used for shaping and smoothing curved surfaces in woodworking.
  • Surfacer: A machine used to smooth and flatten the surface of a piece of wood to a uniform thickness.
  • Shellac: A natural resin used as a wood finish, providing a protective and glossy coating.
  • Stain: A liquid used to change the color of wood, enhancing its appearance and highlighting the grain.
  • Square: A tool used for checking and marking right angles, essential for accurate woodworking.
  • Screw: A fastener with a helical thread used to join pieces of wood together securely.
  • Snipe: An unwanted indentation or depression at the end of a board, often caused by planing or machining.
  • Sliding Dovetail: A dovetail joint where the tail slides into a matching groove, providing a strong and interlocking connection.
  • Split: A crack or separation in wood fibers, often occurring along the grain due to drying or stress.
  • Scribe: A tool used for marking lines on wood, often for fitting pieces together precisely.
  • Softwood: Wood from coniferous trees, such as pine, cedar, and spruce, generally softer and easier to work with than hardwood.
  • Sanding Block: A block used to hold sandpaper, providing a flat surface for sanding and smoothing wood.
  • Sealer: A finishing product applied to wood to protect it and prepare it for further finishing, often used to seal pores.
  • Spline Joint: A joint reinforced with a spline, adding strength and alignment to the connection between two pieces of wood.
  • Saw Blade: The cutting part of a saw, available in various types and configurations for different cutting tasks.
  • Socket Chisel: A chisel with a socket-shaped handle connection, providing a strong and durable tool for heavy-duty use.
  • Stripping: The process of removing old finish or paint from wood, often using chemical strippers or heat guns.
  • Set: The angle of the teeth on a saw blade, allowing for the kerf to be wider than the blade itself, preventing binding.
  • Shop Vac: A powerful vacuum cleaner used in woodworking shops to clean up dust and debris.
  • Shank: The smooth, cylindrical part of a tool or fastener, such as the portion of a drill bit that fits into the chuck.
  • Shaper: A machine used to shape the edges and profiles of wood, typically using large, interchangeable cutters.
  • Shave Horse: A traditional woodworking bench used to hold workpieces while shaping them with a drawknife or spokeshave.
  • Sash Clamp: A long clamp used for holding large assemblies together, often used in door and window construction.
  • Spring Joint: A joint where the mating surfaces are slightly convex, creating tension and ensuring a tight fit when clamped.
  • Saw Tooth: The individual cutting edges on a saw blade, responsible for cutting through wood.
  • Spindle: A turned piece of wood, often used in furniture construction, such as chair legs and balusters.
  • Sand Sealer: A type of sealer applied to wood before sanding, filling pores and providing a smooth surface for finishing.
  • Spacer: A piece of material used to maintain a gap or space between two parts, often used in joinery and assembly.
  • Sliding Bevel: A tool used for transferring angles, with an adjustable blade that can be locked at any angle.
  • Sash: The framework of a window that holds the glass panes, often made of wood.
  • Spalted Wood: Wood that has been naturally discoloured by fungi, often valued for its unique and decorative patterns.
  • Saw Kerf: The slot or path cut by a saw blade, determined by the thickness of the blade.

Woodworking Terms: T

  • Table Saw: A power saw with a circular blade mounted on an arbor, used for making precise cuts in wood, often with an adjustable fence and miter gauge.
  • Tack Cloth: A sticky cloth used to remove dust and debris from wood surfaces before finishing or painting.
  • Tenon: A projecting piece of wood made to fit into a corresponding mortise to form a joint.
  • Template: A pattern or guide used to shape or cut wood to a specific form, often used with routers and saws.
  • Throat Plate: A removable insert around a table saw blade, providing support to the workpiece and preventing small offcuts from falling into the saw.
  • Turner: A woodworker who specializes in turning wood on a lathe, creating round and cylindrical shapes.
  • Tongue and Groove: A method of fitting similar objects together, edge to edge, used mainly with wood, where one edge (the tongue) fits into a corresponding slot (the groove) on the adjacent edge.
  • Trammel: A tool used for marking large circles or arcs, consisting of a beam with a fixed or adjustable pointer.
  • Taper Jig: A jig used on a table saw to cut precise tapers in wood, often used for making table legs and other tapered pieces.
  • Taper: A gradual decrease in thickness or width of a piece of wood, often achieved using a taper jig or lathe.
  • Trim Router: A small, handheld router used for fine detail work, trimming edges, and small routing tasks.
  • Tenoning Jig: A jig used on a table saw to cut tenons accurately and safely.
  • Throat Depth: The distance from the blade of a band saw to the vertical frame of the saw, determining the width of material that can be cut.
  • Toggle Clamp: A type of clamp that locks in place with a lever, providing a quick and secure hold.
  • Turpentine: A solvent derived from pine resin, used for thinning oil-based finishes and cleaning tools.
  • Tearout: The splintering or tearing of wood fibers along the edge of a cut, often occurring when cutting across the grain.
  • Template Guide: A guide attached to a router base, allowing the router bit to follow a template accurately.
  • T-bevel: A sliding bevel used to transfer and set angles, also known as a sliding T-bevel or adjustable bevel.
  • Tung Oil: A natural oil used as a wood finish, providing a durable and water-resistant surface that enhances the wood’s natural grain.
  • Through Mortise: A mortise that extends completely through a piece of wood, often used in joinery for added strength.
  • Tenon Saw: A hand saw with a stiffened back used for making precise cuts, particularly in joinery such as cutting tenons.
  • Tack Hammer: A small hammer with a magnetic head, used for driving small tacks and brads.
  • Threaded Insert: A metal insert with internal threads, embedded into wood to provide a secure, reusable threaded hole for screws and bolts.
  • Tapered Reamer: A tool used to enlarge and taper holes in wood, often used in chair making and joinery.
  • Thinning: The process of reducing the viscosity of a finish or paint by adding a solvent, allowing for easier application and better penetration.
  • Trunnion: A pivot or support mechanism, often found in table saws, allowing the blade to tilt and adjust angles.
  • Toe Kick: The recessed area at the bottom of a cabinet, providing space for a person’s feet when standing close to the countertop.
  • Timber: Wood that has been processed into beams and planks, a stage in the process of wood production.
  • Template Router: A router equipped with a template guide for following patterns, often used for duplicating shapes and creating intricate designs.
  • Through Dovetail: A dovetail joint where the tails and pins are visible on both sides of the joint, providing strong and decorative joinery.
  • Timber Framing: A traditional method of building structures using large wooden beams and intricate joinery, often without nails or metal fasteners.
  • Tabletop Fastener: A device used to attach a tabletop to its base while allowing for wood movement, ensuring stability and durability.
  • Turning Blank: A piece of wood prepared for turning on a lathe, often square or round in shape, ready for shaping into a finished product.
  • Trammel Points: Adjustable points attached to a beam or bar used for drawing large circles or arcs, essential in layout work.

Woodworking Terms: U

  • Undercut: A cut made at an angle to create a recess or remove material from the underside of a piece of wood.
  • Urethane: A type of synthetic resin used in wood finishes and adhesives, known for its durability and resistance to chemicals.
  • Utility Knife: A versatile cutting tool with a retractable blade, used for trimming and cutting various materials in woodworking.
  • Ultra-fine Sandpaper: Sandpaper with a very high grit number, used for final smoothing and finishing of wood surfaces.
  • Underlayment: A layer of material placed beneath flooring to provide a smooth, even surface and sometimes to dampen sound.
  • U-bolt: A U-shaped bolt with threads on both ends, used for securing pipes, lumber, or other materials in place.
  • Universal Joint: A joint that allows for rotation in multiple directions, often used in tools and machinery to provide flexibility and movement.
  • Unfinished Wood: Wood that has not been treated, stained, or coated, allowing for customization and finishing according to the project’s requirements.
  • Undercoat: A primer or first coat of finish applied to wood to prepare it for additional layers of paint or varnish.
  • Upholstery Staple Gun: A tool used to drive staples into wood, often used for attaching fabric to furniture frames.
  • Underpinning: A structural support system used to reinforce or stabilize foundations, often involving wooden supports in temporary constructions.
  • Upcut Bit: A type of router bit designed to pull chips and debris upward, providing a clean cut and good chip ejection.
  • Utility Cabinet: A storage cabinet designed for holding tools, supplies, and other materials, commonly found in workshops and utility rooms.
  • Ulmia: A brand known for high-quality woodworking tools, including hand planes and chisels.
  • Upper Cutterhead: The upper part of a machine, such as a jointer or planer, that contains the cutting blades.
  • Upright Sander: A sanding machine with a vertical orientation, used for sanding large panels and surfaces.
  • Undermount Sink: A sink installed beneath the countertop, requiring precise cutouts and supports, often involving woodworking skills for custom installations.
  • U-biscuit: A type of biscuit joint where the biscuit has a U-shape, used for aligning and joining pieces of wood.
  • Upholsterer’s Hammer: A lightweight hammer with a small head used for driving tacks and nails in upholstery work.
  • Underscribe: To mark or cut a line or notch on the underside of a piece of wood for alignment or fitting purposes.
  • Upgrading: The process of enhancing the quality or functionality of woodworking tools or machinery, often involving the replacement of parts.
  • Underframe: The supporting structure beneath a piece of furniture or a building component, providing stability and strength.
  • Ultra-hard Wood: Wood species known for their exceptional hardness and density, such as ebony or ironwood, often used for fine woodworking and decorative items.
  • Utility Finish: A basic finish applied to wood to protect it from moisture and wear, often used in utility and work areas.
  • Under-dovetail: A dovetail joint where the pins and tails are cut at an angle, often used in secret or hidden joinery for added strength and security.
  • Undercarriage: The lower framework of a piece of furniture, such as the legs and supports of a table or chair.
  • Urethane Foam: A foam material used for cushioning and insulation, often found in upholstery and woodworking applications.
  • Underblade Guard: A safety feature on saws and other cutting tools that covers the blade from below, preventing accidental contact.

Woodworking Terms: V

  • Varnish: A hard, protective finish applied to wood, providing a durable and glossy surface.
  • Veneer: A thin layer of wood glued onto the surface of a piece of furniture or panel, often used to provide a decorative finish.
  • Vice (or Vise): A mechanical apparatus used to secure an object, making it easier to work on. It is usually attached to a workbench.
  • Volute: A spiral or scroll-shaped ornament, often used in architectural woodwork and furniture design.
  • Vertical Grain: The grain orientation in wood where the growth rings run perpendicular to the surface, often used in quartersawn lumber for stability.
  • Variable Speed: A feature on power tools that allows the user to adjust the speed of the motor for different tasks and materials.
  • Veneer Saw: A small saw with a fine, double-edged blade used for cutting veneer sheets accurately.
  • Ventilation: The process of ensuring adequate air flow in a woodworking shop to remove dust and fumes, enhancing safety and comfort.
  • Viscosity: The thickness or fluidity of a finish or adhesive, affecting how it spreads and penetrates wood.
  • V-bit: A type of router bit with a V-shaped cutting edge, used for engraving and decorative cutting in woodworking.
  • Vacuum Press: A machine that uses vacuum pressure to apply even force over a surface, often used for laminating and veneering.
  • Variegated Grain: Wood grain with varied patterns and colors, often providing a distinctive and decorative appearance.
  • Vertical Panel Saw: A saw mounted vertically on a frame, used for cutting large panels and sheets with ease and precision.
  • Veritas: A brand known for high-quality woodworking tools, including planes, chisels, and marking gauges.
  • Vinyl Sealer: A type of sealer used on wood surfaces before applying a finish, providing a smooth base and improving finish adhesion.
  • V-joint: A woodworking joint where two pieces meet at a V-shaped angle, often used in tongue and groove paneling.
  • V-block: A tool used to hold cylindrical objects securely while working on them, often used in metalworking but also useful in woodworking.
  • Vanity: A piece of furniture that includes a countertop, often used in bathrooms, requiring precise joinery and finishing.
  • Vacuum Clamp: A clamping system that uses vacuum pressure to hold workpieces in place, providing a secure and non-marring grip.
  • Varnish Brush: A brush specifically designed for applying varnish, with bristles that minimize streaks and provide a smooth finish.
  • Veneer Hammer: A tool used to press veneer into adhesive, ensuring a tight bond and removing air bubbles.
  • Vertical Sander: A sander with a vertical belt or disk, used for sanding the edges and ends of boards.
  • Varnish Remover: A chemical solution used to strip old varnish from wood surfaces, preparing them for refinishing.
  • Veneer Tape: A special adhesive tape used to hold veneer pieces together during the application process, often dissolving or peeling off after the veneer is glued down.
  • Visor: A protective face shield worn by woodworkers to protect against dust, debris, and other hazards.
  • Veneer Press: A press used to apply even pressure to veneer sheets during glue-up, ensuring a flat and secure bond.
  • V-Block Plane: A small, specialized hand plane used for shaping and smoothing the surfaces of cylindrical objects.
  • Vertical Lathe: A lathe with a vertically oriented spindle, used for turning large, heavy workpieces such as table tops and discs.

Woodworking Terms: W

  • Workbench: A sturdy table where woodworking tasks are performed, often equipped with vises and other holding devices.
  • Woodturning: The process of shaping wood on a lathe, creating round or cylindrical objects such as bowls, spindles, and vases.
  • Wainscoting: Wood paneling on the lower part of the walls of a room, providing both decorative and protective functions.
  • Warping: The distortion or twisting of wood due to uneven drying, moisture changes, or internal stresses.
  • Woodgrain: The pattern of the fibers in a piece of wood, often highlighted in finishing for decorative effect.
  • Whittling: The act of carving shapes out of wood using a knife, often as a hobby or craft.
  • Wing Nut: A type of nut with protruding “wings” that allow it to be tightened or loosened by hand without tools.
  • Wood Filler: A substance used to fill holes, cracks, and imperfections in wood surfaces before finishing.
  • Workpiece: The item or piece of wood being worked on in a woodworking project.
  • Worm Gear: A gear system that provides high torque and smooth operation, often used in machinery and tools for precise adjustments.
  • Whetstone: A stone used for sharpening cutting tools by grinding and honing the edges.
  • Wood Conditioner: A pre-stain treatment applied to wood to ensure even absorption of stain, preventing blotchy or uneven finishes.
  • Wrought Iron: A tough, malleable form of iron often used in decorative hardware and woodworking accents.
  • Wood Stain: A liquid applied to wood to change its color while enhancing the grain pattern, often followed by a protective finish.
  • Wet Sanding: A technique of sanding wood with water or another lubricant to achieve a very smooth finish, often used between coats of finish.
  • Wobble Dado Blade: A type of dado blade that can be adjusted to cut different widths of grooves by changing its wobble angle.
  • Wax: A finishing product applied to wood to provide a protective and glossy surface, often used as a final topcoat.
  • Wide Belt Sander: A powerful sanding machine with a wide belt, used for sanding large panels and surfaces to a uniform thickness.
  • Wood Burning: A technique of creating designs on wood surfaces using a heated tool, also known as pyrography.
  • Wedge: A piece of wood or metal used to split wood or secure parts together by being driven into a joint or gap.
  • Wood Lathe: A machine for turning and shaping wood, where the workpiece is held and rotated against a cutting tool.
  • Wire Brush: A brush with wire bristles used for cleaning, smoothing, or creating a textured finish on wood surfaces.
  • Work Light: A portable or fixed light used to illuminate a workspace, ensuring precision and safety in woodworking tasks.
  • Workbench Dog: A peg used in the holes of a workbench to hold the workpiece in place during woodworking tasks.
  • Whitewood: A general term for various light-colored woods, often used for furniture, construction, and woodworking projects.
  • Winding Sticks: Paired sticks used to detect twist or wind in a piece of wood, helping to ensure it is flat and true.
  • Wood Screw: A screw specifically designed for fastening wood, typically with a tapered shank and sharp threads.
  • Wenge: A dark, dense hardwood known for its distinctive grain pattern, often used in fine woodworking and furniture making.
  • Workbench Vise: A vise attached to a workbench, used to hold workpieces securely during woodworking tasks.
  • Wood Clamp: A clamp used to hold pieces of wood together during gluing or assembly, available in various styles such as bar clamps and C-clamps.
  • Wood Plug: A cylindrical piece of wood used to fill holes or cover screw heads, often sanded flush with the surface for a smooth finish.
  • Worm Drive Saw: A type of circular saw with a worm gear mechanism, providing increased torque for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
  • Workbench Mat: A cushioned mat placed on the floor of a workshop, providing comfort and reducing fatigue during long periods of standing.
  • Wood Glue: An adhesive specifically formulated for bonding wood, often made from PVA (polyvinyl acetate) or other strong bonding agents.
  • Wheeled Dolly: A platform with wheels used to move heavy woodworking equipment or large pieces of wood easily around the workshop.
  • Wood Joint: A method of joining two pieces of wood together, such as dovetail, mortise and tenon, or butt joints.
  • Washboarding: A pattern of ridges on a wood surface caused by uneven planing or sanding, often needing further smoothing.
  • Wood Hardener: A liquid product applied to strengthen and stabilize decayed or soft wood, often used in restoration projects.

Woodworking Terms: X

  • X-Acto Knife: A precision cutting tool with a sharp, replaceable blade, used for detailed cutting and trimming in woodworking and other crafts.
  • X-Brace: A diagonal brace that forms an X shape, providing additional structural support and rigidity in woodworking projects, such as in table bases or framing.
  • Xylene: A solvent used in woodworking for thinning finishes and adhesives, as well as for cleaning tools and surfaces.
  • Xylophagous: Referring to organisms that feed on wood, such as certain types of insects, which can cause damage to wooden structures.
  • Xylophone: A musical instrument made from wooden bars of different lengths, which produce different pitches when struck, often crafted by woodworkers.
  • X-Cut: A type of cut made perpendicular to the grain of the wood, often used in crosscutting operations.
  • X-Carve: A popular brand of CNC router used in woodworking for precise cutting, carving, and engraving of wood and other materials.
  • X-Axis: In woodworking machinery and CNC operations, the horizontal axis used to reference movement and positioning of tools and workpieces.
  • X-Frame: A structural frame design that incorporates X-shaped braces for added stability and strength, often used in furniture and construction.
  • Xylene-Free: Describes a product or solvent that does not contain xylene, making it safer and more environmentally friendly for use in woodworking.
  • X-Bench: A type of workbench or table with X-shaped legs, providing sturdy support and a distinctive design.
  • X-Groove: A groove or channel cut into wood in an X shape, often used for decorative purposes or to improve grip and texture.
  • Xylometer: An instrument used to measure the density and moisture content of wood, aiding in selecting and preparing wood for projects.
  • X-Cut Saw: A saw designed specifically for making crosscuts, providing clean and precise cuts across the grain of the wood.
  • X-Bracket: A metal or wooden bracket shaped like an X, used for reinforcing joints and connections in woodworking projects.

Woodworking Terms: Y

  • Yardstick: A measuring tool, typically 36 inches long, used for measuring lengths and drawing straight lines in woodworking.
  • Yoke: A wooden crosspiece used in some traditional woodworking tools, such as yoke-style clamps or vices, to provide leverage and support.
  • Yellow Cedar: A durable and aromatic softwood often used in boat building, outdoor furniture, and woodworking projects requiring weather resistance.
  • Yellow Glue: A common woodworking adhesive, also known as aliphatic resin glue, used for bonding wood pieces together.
  • Yew: A type of hardwood known for its fine grain and elasticity, often used in making longbows and fine furniture.
  • Yield Strength: The stress at which a material begins to deform permanently, important in selecting wood for load-bearing applications.
  • Yard Lumber: Standard lumber used for construction and general woodworking projects, typically sold in yards or home improvement stores.
  • Y-Junction: A pipe fitting shaped like a Y, used in dust collection systems to split airflow and connect multiple hoses.
  • Yarn: A term sometimes used to describe the fibrous strands of wood grain, especially in decorative veneers and inlays.
  • Y-Hinge: A hinge shaped like a Y, providing unique pivot points for specialized woodworking applications.
  • Y-Plane: A hand plane with a Y-shaped adjustment lever, allowing for precise control of the blade depth and angle.
  • Yew Burl: A type of wood burl from the yew tree, valued for its unique grain patterns and used in decorative woodworking.
  • Y-Pattern Clamp: A clamp with a Y-shaped design, used to apply pressure evenly across multiple points on a workpiece.
  • Yew Wood Turning: The process of shaping yew wood on a lathe to create bowls, spindles, and other round objects.
  • Yankee Screwdriver: A type of spiral ratchet screwdriver that allows for rapid screw driving, often used in woodworking for convenience.
  • Yield Point: The point at which wood or material begins to permanently deform under stress, important for understanding wood’s load-bearing capacity.
  • Yardage: The total amount of lumber or materials needed for a woodworking project, often calculated in board feet or linear feet.
  • Yoke Vice: A type of vice with a yoke mechanism for clamping, providing a strong and adjustable hold on workpieces.
  • Yellowheart: A bright yellow hardwood from South America, used in fine woodworking and turning projects for its color and workability.
  • Yoke Plane: A hand plane with a yoke-style handle, providing leverage and control for smoothing and shaping wood.

Woodworking Terms: Z

  • Zebrawood: A type of hardwood known for its distinctive striped grain pattern, often used in fine furniture and decorative veneers.
  • Z-Clamp: A type of clamp with a Z-shaped design, used for holding workpieces securely during assembly or glue-up.
  • Zigzag Rule: A folding measuring tool with multiple hinged sections, used for taking measurements in woodworking and carpentry.
  • Zero-Clearance Insert: An insert placed around a table saw blade to reduce the gap, preventing small pieces from falling into the saw and reducing tear-out.
  • Zigzag Joint: A type of joint with a zigzag pattern, providing increased surface area for gluing and mechanical interlock.
  • Zyliss Vice: A versatile clamping system known for its multiple functions, often used in woodworking for holding and positioning workpieces.
  • Zenith Chisel: A high-quality chisel brand known for its durability and precision, often used in fine woodworking and carving.
  • Z-Bracket: A metal bracket shaped like a Z, used for mounting and securing components in woodworking projects.
  • Zigzag Plane: A hand plane designed for creating zigzag patterns on wood surfaces for decorative purposes.
  • Z-Hinge: A hinge with a Z-shaped design, providing unique pivot points for specialized woodworking applications.
  • Ziricote: A dense and dark hardwood known for its striking grain patterns, often used in fine woodworking and instrument making.
  • Zone Hardness: The varying hardness within a piece of wood, often due to growth rings and changes in density, affecting how it is worked.
  • Z-Clamp: A clamp with a Z-shaped design, providing a strong and adjustable hold on workpieces during woodworking tasks.
  • Z-Saw: A Japanese-style saw known for its fine and precise cuts, often used in detailed joinery and cabinetry work.
  • Zebrawood Veneer: Thin sheets of zebrawood used for decorative surface applications, adding an exotic and striking appearance to projects.
  • Zipper Mortise: A mortise with a zigzag pattern, providing additional surface area for glue and mechanical interlock.
  • Zinc Screw: A screw coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion, often used in woodworking for added durability.
  • Z-Stop: A stop block with a Z-shaped design, used for setting precise cutting or drilling depths in woodworking.
  • Zero-Point Clamp: A clamping system that ensures workpieces are held at a consistent reference point, improving accuracy and repeatability in machining.
  • Zigzag Edge: A decorative edge profile with a zigzag pattern, often created with specialized router bits or saw blades.