The Beginner’s Guide to Woodworking Jargon

Welcome to the beginner’s guide to woodworking jargon, if you’re new to woodworking it can be intimidating to encounter all of the technical terms and phrases that are commonly used in the field. To help you feel more confident and comfortable, I’ve put together this list of 10 common woodworking jargon terms, and explained what they mean.

Common Woodworking Jargon Explained:

Miter joint

A miter joint is a type of joint that is created by cutting two pieces of wood at an angle, so that they fit together to form a corner. This type of joint is often used in framing or trim work, as it allows for a seamless, angled connection between two pieces of wood.

Miter joints are created by cutting opposite ends of two pieces of wood at complementary angles, typically at a 45 degree angle. When the two pieces are fitted together, they form a seamless, angled corner. Miter joints can be secured in place with glue, nails, or other fasteners, and can be reinforced with dowels or other types of reinforcement if needed.

Miter joints are an important tool in woodworking, and are often used in the construction of frames, trim work, and other types of assemblies that require angled connections between pieces of wood. They can be cut using a variety of tools, including hand saws, miter saws, or miter boxes, and require precise measurement and angle cutting to ensure a proper fit.

Dovetail joint

A dovetail joint is a type of joint that is created by cutting interlocking “teeth” into the end of two pieces of wood, so that they fit together securely. This type of joint is known for its strength and durability, and is often used in the construction of drawers, boxes, and other types of assemblies that require strong, stable connections between pieces of wood.

Dovetail joints are created by cutting angled “tails” into the end of one piece of wood, and corresponding angled “pins” into the end of the other piece. When the two pieces are fitted together, the tails and pins interlock to create a very strong and stable joint. Dovetail joints can be cut using a variety of tools, including hand saws, chisels, and specialized dovetail jigs, and are typically secured in place with glue.

Due to their strength and durability, dovetail joints are a popular choice for many types of woodworking projects, particularly those that require strong, long-lasting connections between pieces of wood.

Tenon

A tenon is a projecting piece of wood that is used to join two pieces of wood together. It is typically cut to fit into a complementary hole called a mortise. The strength and stability of the joint depends on the proper fit and alignment of the tenon and mortise, as well as the strength of the fasteners used to hold it in place.

Tenons can be round, square, or rectangular in shape, depending on the specific needs of the project and the tools and materials being used. They are often secured in place with glue, but can also be wedged tightly into the mortise or secured with pegs or other fasteners.

Tenons are a versatile and widely-used tool in woodworking, and are often used in conjunction with other types of joints, such as mortise and tenon or dowel joints, to create a strong stable connection.

Dado

A dado is a groove that is cut into a piece of wood, usually used to accept the end of another piece of wood. Dados are often used in cabinetmaking or other types of joinery as a secure connection between pieces of wood.

Dados can be cut using a variety of tools, including a dado blade on a table saw or a router with a straight bit. A dado blade is a specialized blade that is used to create wide, precise cuts in wood, and is often used to create dados and other types of grooves.

A router with a straight bit can also be used to create a dado, although this method is typically more time-consuming and requires a greater degree of skill and precision. The size and shape of the dado will depend on the specific needs of the project, and can be customized to fit the dimensions of the wood being used. Properly cut and assembled, a dado joint can be very strong and durable.

Mortise and tenon joint

A mortise and tenon joint is a type of woodworking joint in which a projecting tenon on one piece of wood is inserted into a mortise on another piece of wood. This type of joint is known for its strength and versatility, and is used in a wide range of woodworking applications.

The tenon is a projecting piece of wood that is cut to fit into a mortise, which is a complementary hole or recess in another piece of wood. The tenon is typically secured in place with glue, wedges, or pegs, and the joint can be reinforced with dowels or other types of fasteners.

The strength and stability of the joint depends on the proper fit and alignment of the tenon and mortise, as well as the strength of the fasteners used to hold it in place. Mortise and tenon joints are used in many types of woodworking, including furniture making, cabinetry, and other types of construction.

Rabbet

A rabbet is a groove that is cut along the edge of a piece of wood, often used to accept the edge of another piece of wood. Rabbets are often used in the construction of frames, boxes, or other types of assemblies to create a strong, stable connection.

Rabbets can be cut using a variety of tools, including a table saw, a router, or a chisel. A table saw or router is often the preferred tool for creating rabbets, as they can produce precise, accurate cuts quickly and efficiently. Chisels can also be used to create rabbets, but this method is typically more time-consuming and also requires a great degree of skill.

The size and shape of the rabbet will depend on the specific needs of the project, and can be customized to fit the dimensions of the wood being used. Properly cut and assembled, a rabbet joint is very strong.

Dowel

A dowel is a cylindrical piece of wood that is used to reinforce a joint or to connect two pieces of wood together, a dowel jig is used to create a hole for the dowel to be inserted into. Dowels are often used in conjunction with other types of joints, such as mortise and tenon or biscuit joints, to provide additional strength and stability.

With the aid of a good dowel jig, dowels can be inserted into predrilled holes in the wood, and are typically secured in place with glue, pegs, or other types of fasteners. They are often used to reinforce joints that will be subjected to heavy loads or stress, such as those found in furniture or other types of assemblies. Dowels can also be used to create simple, standalone joints, such as those used to connect two pieces of wood end-to-end.

Dowels come in a variety of sizes and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. They are a simple, yet effective, way to reinforce and strengthen woodworking joints, and are an important tool in the woodworker’s toolkit.

Chisels

Chisels are hand tools that are used to shape and carve wood by removing small chips or shavings. They are an essential tool for many types of woodworking, and are used for a wide range of tasks, including carving, shaping, trimming, and other types of wood manipulation.

Chisels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each type is designed for specific tasks and types of woodworking. For example, a carving chisel has a thin, sharp blade that is used for precise carving and detailing work, while a mortise chisel has a wider, more robust blade that is used for creating large, deep cuts in wood, such as those needed for creating a mortise joint.

Chisels are typically used in conjunction with a hammer or mallet to apply force to the blade. They are often used to remove small amounts of wood at a time, and require precise control and skill to use effectively. With some practice, however, they can be an extremely useful and versatile tool for shaping and manipulating wood.

Biscuit joiner

A biscuit joiner is a power tool that is used to create biscuit joints, which are a type of woodworking joint that uses small, oval-shaped wooden plugs called biscuits to reinforce the connection between two pieces of wood.

Biscuit joints are strong, stable, and relatively quick and easy to create, making them a popular choice for many types of woodworking projects. The slots for the biscuits are typically cut using a biscuit joiner, a specialized tool that features a spinning blade or cutter that is used to create precise, accurately sized slots in the edges of the wood. The biscuits are then inserted into the slots and glued in place to create a strong, hidden joint.

Plane

A plane is a hand tool that is used to smooth and shape wood by shaving off thin layers of material, or planing the wood. Planes come in a variety of sizes and styles, each designed for specific tasks and types of woodworking.

There are several different types of planes, including smoothing planes, jack planes, block planes, and many others, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Smoothing planes are used to create a smooth, even surface on rough or uneven wood, and are typically used for tasks such as smoothing rough-cut lumber or creating a precise edge on a board. Jack planes are medium-sized planes that are used for general purpose work, such as smoothing, shaping, or truing up rough wood.

Block planes are smaller, more portable planes that are used for tasks such as trimming, chamfering, or shaping edges. Planes are an essential tool for many types of woodworking, and are typically used in conjunction with a bench or other stable surface. They are operated by pushing the plane along the wood, using the blade to shave off thin layers of material as it goes.

Proper use of a plane requires practice and skill, but with some experience, it can be an extremely effective tool for shaping and smoothing wood.

Thanks for dropping by, I hope the beginner’s guide to woodworking jargon will help you navigate your way through the world of woodworking with confidence!