Glossary of Woodworking Terminology (J-M)
An extensive glossary of woodworking terminology encompassing woodworking tools, types of wood and terms used in our free woodworking plans.
Jigsaw
Handheld power tool useful for making curved cuts on thin materials such as plywood and particle board.
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 saw cut. The kerf is typically created by teeth that protrude slightly wider than the edge of the blade, alternating each side every other tooth.
The term kerf relates to the width of a saw cut. The kerf is typically created by teeth that protrude slightly wider than the edge of the blade, alternating each side every other tooth.
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.
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.
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.
Linear Foot
The same as one foot of distance, equal to twelve inches. The term "linear foot" is sometimes used to avoid any confusion with the term "square foot".
The same as one foot of distance, equal to twelve inches. The term "linear foot" is sometimes used to avoid any confusion with the term "square foot".
Lumber
A term for all wood stock used in woodworking.
A term for all wood stock used in woodworking.
Miter
A miter is a type of joint where the two parts to be joined are cut at an angle, and typically the finished joint forms a 90-degree angle. Also commonly spelled "mitre".
A miter is a type of joint where the two parts to be joined are cut at an angle, and typically the finished joint forms a 90-degree angle. Also commonly spelled "mitre".
Miter Saw
A table mounted saw that allows for cross-cutting precise compound angles on stock.
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.
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).
A method of joinery where a pin (tenon) cut from the edge of a piece of stock is glued into a slot (mortise).