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The art of woodworking is ancient and vast, but don’t let that intimidate you! In this article, we’ll go over the basics so that you can start your own projects with confidence. Here are some of the common terms you’ll see as you begin the process:

What is woodworking?

Woodworking entails creating ornamental and functional objects out of wood, including items such as cabinets, tables, instruments, bowls, etc. The process involves learning skills like wood carving and joinery. Woodturning is also a fundamental skill in woodworking that you can quickly learn. With each project completed successfully will come new levels of expertise!

Common woodworking terminology

When first starting your woodworking journey, you will come across many new terms. To help you out, below is a list of essential woodworking phrases with definitions.

Jointing

Joining is the process of preparing two or more wood boards for gluing them together. It can be done on flat surfaces as well as at angles.

Planing

Planing is the process of removing material from a wooden surface using either a planer machine or hand tool.

Routing

Routing is a woodworking technique that uses a special tool to trim and shape edges, producing clean finishes for cabinets and furniture.

Sawing

The first step to any woodworking project is cutting the wood down to size, and there are many different types of saws that can be used depending on the project.

• There are many different types of handsaws available, each with its own unique advantages. Lightweight and portable, they can be used anywhere without the need for a power source. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
• Table saws are versatile tools that can help you make quick, precise cuts. The blade is exposed from below the work surface, and the material passes over the table to be cut. You can easily adjust the blade angles and depth for precise cuts.
• Bandsaws are ideal for sawing curves, thick stock, complex designs, and more. You can find them in many sizes to accommodate the dimensions of your project and how intricate it is.

Drilling

You can create holes in wood by using a drill and bit. The drill driver spins the drill bit either clockwise or counterclockwise. Depending on what you’re trying to achieve, you’ll need different types of drill bits that come in a range of 47 sizes.

Gluing

Joining wood together with glue consists of attaching two or more pieces of wood to create a larger piece. If done correctly, the glued joint will be stronger than the material itself.

Sanding

Sanding is a finishing technique that smooths out the surface of wood using sandpaper. Woodworkers usually start with a medium grit and then move to finer grit paper to finish.

Finishing

The term ‘finishing’ encompasses both the process of protecting a wooden surface by applying a penetrating finish, as well as refining that surface with a surface finish.

UJ Ramelson is dedicated to providing the best quality products and service to all of our customers. Our wood carving, jewelry, and other craftsman tools are hand forged, heat treated, and tempered by our own experts. Contact us to learn more about the products we offer and how we can help on your next project.