Glossary of Woodworking Terminology (J-M)

1. Glossary Terms A-D
2. Glossary Terms E-I
3. Glossary Terms J-M
4. Glossary Terms N-Q
5. Glossary Terms R-T
6. Glossary Terms U-Z

Jigsaw
Handheld power tool useful for making curved cuts on thin materials such as plywood and particle board.

Kerf
The term kerf relates to the width of a finished saw cut, commonly from the carbide of a circular saw blade. The kerf is typically created by teeth that protrude slightly wider than the edge of the blade.

Layout Square
Every carpenter carries a triangular layout square in their nail pouch, and in the wood shop, a layout square is equally as useful. Learn the features of the layout square, and why you should always have one within easy reach when woodworking.

Levels
A level is used to determine whether an object is level (perfectly horizontal) or plumb (perfectly vertical). There are many types of levels, but only full-length and torpedo levels are predominantly used in woodworking.

Miter Saw
A table mounted saw that allows for cross-cutting precise compound angles on stock.

Mortise
A groove cut in one piece of stock to accommodate a tenon. Mortise & Tenon joinery is a very common method of connecting two pieces of wood.

Mortise & Tenon Joint
A method of joinery where a pin (tenon) cut from the edge of a piece of stock is glued into a slot (mortise).