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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Non-Through Cuts
Any cutting operation where the blade does not extend
completely through the thickness of the workpiece.
Push Blocks and Push Sticks
Devices used to feed the workpiece through the saw
blade during cutting operations. A push stick (not a push
block) should be used for narrow ripping operations.
These aids help keep the operator’s hands well away from
the blade.
Pilot Hole (drill presses)
A small hole drilled in a workpiece that serves as a guide
for drilling large holes accurately.
Resaw
A cutting operation to reduce the thickness of the work-
piece to make thinner pieces.
Resin
A sticky, sap-based substance that has hardened.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
The number of turns completed by a spinning object in
one minute.
Ripping or Rip Cut
A cutting operation along the length of the workpiece.
Riving Knife/Spreader/Splitter (table saws)
A metal piece, slightly thinner than the blade, which helps
keep the kerf open and also helps to prevent kickback.
Saw Blade Path
The area over, under, behind, or in front of the blade. As
it applies to the workpiece, that area which will be or has
been cut by the blade.
Set
The distance that the tip of the saw blade tooth is bent (or
set) outward from the face of the blade.
Snipe (planers)
Depression made at either end of a workpiece by cutter
blades when the workpiece is not properly supported.
Throw-Back
The throwing back of a workpiece usually caused by the
workpiece being dropped into the blade or being placed
inadvertently in contact with the blade.
Through Sawing
Any cutting operation where the blade extends completely
through the thickness of the workpiece.
Workpiece or Material
The item on which the operation is being done.
Worktable
Surface where the workpiece rests while performing a
cutting, drilling, planing, or sanding operation.
Anti-Kickback Pawls (radial arm and table saws)
A device which, when properly installed and maintained,
is designed to stop the workpiece from being kicked back
toward the front of the saw during a ripping operation.
Arbor
The shaft on which a blade or cutting tool is mounted.
Bevel Cut
A cutting operation made with the blade at any angle
other than 90° to the table surface.
Chamfer
A cut removing a wedge from a block so the end (or part
of the end) is angled rather than at 90°.
Compound Cut
A cross cut made with both a miter and a bevel angle.
Crosscut
A cutting or shaping operation made across the grain or
the width of the workpiece.
Cutter Head (planers and jointers)
A rotating piece of adjustable blades. The cutter head
removes material from the workpiece.
Dado Cut
A non-through cut which produces a square-sided notch
or trough in the workpiece (requires a special blade).
Featherboard
A device used to help control the workpiece by guiding it
securely against the table or fence during any ripping
operation.
FPM or SPM
Feet per minute (or strokes per minute), used in reference
to blade movement.
Freehand
Performing a cut without the workpiece being guided by a
fence, miter gauge, or other aids.
Gum
A sticky, sap-based residue from wood products.
Heel
Alignment of the blade to the fence.
Kerf
The material removed by the blade in a through cut or the
slot produced by the blade in a non-through or partial cut.
Kickback
A hazard that can occur when the blade binds or stalls,
throwing the workpiece back toward operator.
Leading End
The end of the workpiece pushed into the tool first.
Miter Cut
A cutting operation made with the workpiece at any angle
to the blade other than 90°.
