46 Woodworking Terms: A Primer for the Woodworking Beginner

 Woodworking Terms: A Primer for the Woodworking Beginner

In 46 Woodworking Terms: A Primer for the Woodworking Beginner, common terminology is demystified for the sake of the beginner. By the end of this post, you'll have a basic understanding of the most common woodworking terms, and you'll be well on your way to becoming more familiar with them.

46 Woodworking Terms

1. Adze: A tool with an axe-like blade used to shape and surface wood.
2. Aliphatic resin glue: A strong and quick-drying adhesive more commonly known as wood glue or carpenter's glue.
3. Apron: The part of a table which connects the surface of the tabletop to the legs.
4. Arbor: A spindle or shaft on which a tool can be attached, such as a router bit or table saw blade.
5. Architect's rule: Also known as an architect's scale, a triangular ruler with different units of measurement on each side.
6. Backsaw: A hand saw with a rigid rib along the back of the blade, opposite the cutting edge, to prevent bending and allow for more stable sawing.
7. Band saw: A power saw that uses a toothed metal blade in a looped/continuous band.
8. Bar clamp: A clamp with a long bar that spans two clamping jaws, used to hold large items.
9. Basswood: A soft, fine wood often used in carving.
10. Batten: A thin, flat piece of wood or metal used to provide support or reinforce a joint.
11. Beam: The handle of a cutting tool (as opposed to its blade); also a term for a long, large piece of wood used in construction, often for support.
12. Bevel: A sloping edge or surface.
13. Biscuit Joint: A method of joining two pieces of wood using wooden biscuits and glue.
14. Bowl gouge: A gouge with a curved blade used for carving bowls and other rounded objects.
15. Cabinet Saw: A large, stationary table saw used for making accurate and precise cuts.
16. Chisel: A hand tool with a sharp blade used for cutting and shaping wood.
17. Combination square: An all-metal, adjustable square that can measure 90° and 45° angles.
18. Cope-and-stick joint: A joint made by cutting one piece of wood to fit into the shape of another piece.
19. Dado: A groove or channel cut across the grain of the wood.
20. Dovetail joint: A strong and interlocking joint made by fitting together two pieces of wood that have been cut in the shape of dovetails.
21. Dowel: A cylindrical piece of wood used to reinforce joints or align parts.
22. End grain: The grain of wood that runs perpendicular to the face of the board.
23. Face Grain: The surface of the wood that shows the long fibers of the tree.
24. Gouge: A curved cutting tool used for carving and shaping wood.
25. Hardwood: Wood from deciduous trees known for its durability and density..
26. Jigsaw: A power tool with a reciprocating blade used for cutting intricate shapes in wood.
27. Jointer: A power tool used to smooth and flatten the edges of boards.
28. Knot: A portion in a piece of wood where a branch or limb once grew.
29. Lathe: A machine used to rotate wood while it is shaped and smoothed using cutting tools.
30. Mitered corners: Corners that have been cut at an angle to create a smooth, 45° joint.
31. Miter Joint: A joint created by two angled cuts meeting at a mitered angle.
32. Nail Gun: A power tool that shoots nails into wood to secure pieces together.
33. Orbital Sander: A handheld power tool that moves the sanding pad in a circular motion.
34. Plane: A tool used to smooth and shape wood by shaving off thin layers.
35. Quarter-Sawn: Wood that has been cut perpendicular to the growth rings for increased stability
36. Router: A power tool used to hollow out or shape grooves in wood.
37. Sandpaper: An abrasive material used for smoothing wood surface.
38. Scroll Saw: A power tool that makes intricate cuts, curves, and designs in wood
39. Table Saw: A stationary woodworking tool with a circular blade protruding through a work surface
40. Tenon: A projecting piece on the end of a piece of wood that fits into a mortise for joining.
41. Veneer: A thin sheet of wood used to cover or enhance the appearance of a surfac
42. Walnut: A dark-colored hardwood known for its grain pattern and strength
43. Workbench: A sturdy table used for various woodworking tasks, such as assembling and finis.
44. Yew: A type of wood known for its durability, fine texture, and deep reddish-brown color.
45. Zebrawood: An exotic hardwood with distinct zebra-like stripes that is often used for decorative purposes.