Woodworking Dictionary: Grow Your Vocabulary

By Blake Pieck

1st Edition of Woodworking Dictionary, covering over 1700 words, and their meaning through various topics.

 

This is a specialized reference book dedicated to the art and craft of woodworking. This dictionary is designed to cater to both beginners and seasoned woodworkers, providing clear and concise definitions of terms, techniques, and tools related to the craft.

 

Carving: This section delves into the intricate world of wood carving, covering various styles, tools, and techniques. From basic cuts to advanced sculptural techniques, readers can find definitions of carving terms and detailed descriptions of carving methods.

 

Scroll Sawing: This part of the dictionary focuses on the precision craft of scroll sawing, providing definitions related to saw types, blade choices, and cutting techniques. It covers everything from basic cuts to intricate marquetry and intarsia work.

 

Woodturning: A comprehensive look at the art of shaping wood on a lathe. This segment includes terms related to equipment, techniques, and different styles of woodturning. It explores both traditional and modern approaches, offering insights into this dynamic aspect of woodworking.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blake Pieck
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223299486

Book preview

Carving Dictionary

A

Abrasive   -   Material   -   Materials such as sandpaper or carving stones used to smooth the carved wood surface, often used during the finishing process. 

Abstract   -   Style/concept   -   A carving style that does not represent recognizable objects, instead focusing on expressing ideas through non-traditional forms, lines, and structures. 

Acanthus   -   Motif/design   -   A carving pattern originating from the Mediterranean, often used to adorn furniture and architectural elements, representing the acanthus plant’s leaves. 

Acrylic Paint   -   Material   -   A type of paint commonly used to color and detail carved wood pieces, known for its fast-drying nature and versatility in achieving various finishes. 

Acuity   -   Technique   -   Refers to the sharpness of a carving tool’s edge, essential for precise and efficient wood carving. 

Adornment   -   Technique/process   -   The addition of decorative elements to enhance a carved piece, possibly including inlays, paint, or other forms of embellishment. 

Adze   -   Tool   -   A type of tool similar to an axe but with the blade set at a right angle to the shaft, commonly used for carving and shaping wood. 

Against The Grain   -   Technique   -   Carving in a direction perpendicular to the wood grain, which can result in a rougher finish compared to carving along the grain. 

Aging   -   Technique/effect   -   The process of giving a wood carving a patinated, older appearance through various techniques including staining, distressing, or use of certain finishes. 

Air-Drying   -   Technique   -   The process of drying freshly carved wood naturally by exposing it to air, which can be a lengthy process but helps in reducing the wood’s moisture content gradually. 

Alligatoring   -   Flaw/effect   -   A type of surface flaw characterized by a pattern resembling alligator skin, often resulting from uneven drying or reaction to temperature changes. 

Alto-Relievo   -   Technique   -   A type of high relief carving where the carved elements significantly stand out from the background, providing a three-dimensional effect. 

Anatomical Carving   -   Technique   -   Carving style focusing on the accurate depiction of the anatomy of humans or animals, requiring knowledge of the physical structures to achieve realistic results. 

Anchorseal   -   Brand/material   -   A popular end grain sealer used to prevent cracks and splits in carved wood pieces during the drying process. 

Anthropomorphic   -   Theme/concept   -   A type of carving depicting objects or figures with human characteristics, used in a range of artistic and functional wood carving projects. 

Apotropaic   -   Concept/theme   -   Carvings intended to ward off evil or bad luck, often featuring specific symbols, motifs, or imagery believed to have protective properties. 

Apprentice Piece   -   Concept/tradition   -   A piece carved by an apprentice as a showcase of skill, traditionally used to demonstrate readiness for more advanced work or even master status in historic guild systems. 

Apron   -   Safety Gear   -   A protective garment worn to shield the carver from wood chips, dust, and potential contact with carving tools. 

Arbortech   -   Brand/tool   -   A well-known brand offering a range of power tools designed specifically for wood carving, including power chisels and carving discs. 

Armature   -   Structure/technique   -   A framework used to support a sculpture, sometimes used in wood carving to maintain structural integrity or to support added materials. 

Arris   -   Technique/element   -   The sharp edge or ridge formed where two surfaces meet in wood carving, often maintained or removed depending on the desired effect. 

Art Deco   -   Style   -   A style prominent in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by bold geometric designs, and often translated into wood carving with sharp, angular lines and symmetrical patterns. 

Ash   -   Wood Type   -   A type of wood often used in carving, appreciated for its hardness and straight grain, facilitating easier and more predictable carving results. 

Assembly   -   Process   -   The stage of combining various carved components into a complete piece, often involving techniques such as joinery or the use of adhesives. 

Asymmetry   -   Design Concept   -   An artistic approach where both halves of a carving are not identical, often used to create dynamic, natural, or more interesting compositions. 

Awl   -   Tool   -   A pointed tool used for marking surfaces, useful in carving for marking out designs before the carving process begins. 

B

Background Punch   -   Tool   -   A tool used in detailed carving work to create a textured background, helping to make the foreground details stand out more prominently. 

Ball-In-Cage   -   Project/technique   -   A traditional whittling project involving carving a ball within a cage of wood, showcasing the carver’s skill in creating free-moving parts from a single piece of wood. 

Band Saw   -   Tool   -   A powerful tool with a long, sharp blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal, useful in carving for making precise and irregular cuts in wood. 

Baren   -   Tool   -   A tool used in Japanese woodblock printing, which involves carving, used to evenly press paper onto the woodblock to transfer the ink and create a print. 

Bark   -   Material   -   The outermost layer of a tree, sometimes retained in rustic or naturalistic carving projects to enhance the organic appeal of the piece. 

Bark Carving   -   Technique   -   The process of carving patterns and images directly onto tree bark, creating rustic and naturalistic artworks. 

Basket Weave   -   Pattern   -   A carved pattern resembling woven baskets, which involves carving overlapping lines to create a textured and three-dimensional effect on the wood surface. 

Bas-Relief   -   Technique   -   Also known as low relief, it is a carving technique where the images stand slightly from the background, giving a shallow depth effect. 

Basswood   -   Wood Type   -   A type of wood favored in carving for its fine grain and soft characteristics, which facilitate easier carving, especially for beginners. 

Battered   -   Terminology   -   Describes a surface that has been worn down or roughened, often deliberately in carving to create a rustic or aged appearance. 

Beak   -   Terminology   -   In carving, refers to a specific type of cut or shape that resembles a bird’s beak, often used in decorative carving and detailing. 

Bearding   -   Technique   -   Creating a textured surface on the wood by making a series of small cuts, giving the appearance of hair or beard, often used in carving statues or figures. 

Beeswax   -   Material   -   A natural wax produced by honey bees, often used in wood carving for finishing, to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. 

Bench Chisel   -   Tool   -   A type of chisel used in carving for various tasks, including cutting and shaping wood; bench chisels come in different sizes and shapes to suit different carving techniques. 

Bench Dog   -   Tool/accessory   -   A tool used in conjunction with a workbench to secure wood pieces during carving, helping to provide stability and safety during the carving process. 

Bench Hook   -   Tool   -   A safety tool that provides a stable surface for carving, helping to prevent accidents by keeping the wood in place during carving. 

Bench Knife   -   Tool   -   A versatile carving tool with a short, stiff blade, commonly used for detailed and intricate carving works. 

Bent Chisel   -   Tool   -   A type of chisel with a bent shank, allowing the carver to reach areas that are not accessible with a straight chisel, essential for intricate and detailed carving works. 

Bevel   -   Tool/technique   -   The angle that is ground on the blade of a carving tool; different bevel angles are used for various carving techniques and effects. 

Bird’s Mouth   -   Technique   -   A type of V-shaped cut used in carving to create sharp angles and details, resembling a bird’s open mouth. 

Biscuit Joiner   -   Tool   -   A woodworking tool used to join two pieces of wood together, though not primarily a carving tool, it can be used in carving projects to assemble different carved components securely. 

Black Palm   -   Wood Type   -   A type of wood known for its distinctive black fibers embedded in a softer body, providing a striking contrast in carved objects, though it is challenging to work with due to its hard and brittle nature. 

Blanks   -   Material   -   Pre-cut pieces of wood intended for carving, often available in various shapes and sizes to give carvers a head start on their projects. 

Block Cut   -   Technique   -   A type of cut used in relief carving, involving the removal of large sections of wood to define the primary shapes and levels of the carving. 

Bole   -   Material   -   The trunk of a tree, a primary source of wood for carving, where the characteristics such as grain and texture can vary greatly depending on the type of tree. 

Bolection   -   Design/technique   -   A type of raised molding used in wood carving, often featured in frames, allowing for a raised surface that provides depth and prominence to the carved detail. 

Borers   -   Pest   -   Insects that create holes or tunnels in wood, their presence can compromise the structural integrity of the carving material, necessitating treatment or fumigation. 

Bow Saws   -   Tool   -   A type of hand saw shaped like a bow, used in wood carving for making curved cuts and intricate patterns. 

Bowl Carver Adze   -   Tool   -   A specialized type of adze tool designed for hollowing out large rounded areas, such as the interior of a bowl, offering control over the depth and shape of the carved area. 

Bowl Gouge   -   Tool   -   A type of tool specifically designed for carving out bowls, characterized by a deep, rounded flute to facilitate the carving of rounded hollows. 

Breadboard Ends   -   Technique   -   A woodworking method where a narrow piece is joined at the end of a wider piece to prevent cupping, used in carved table tops and panels to maintain flatness over time. 

Broad Axe   -   Tool   -   A large axe with a wide, flat blade, used in wood carving for shaping logs and making large, rough cuts. 

Buffing   -   Technique   -   The process of creating a smooth and glossy surface by polishing the wood, often the final step in carving to enhance the appearance and protect the wood. 

Buffing Wheel   -   Tool   -   A tool used for polishing carved wood surfaces to a high gloss finish, usually attached to a motorized shaft and used with polishing compounds to achieve the desired shine. 

Burl   -   Wood Feature   -   A tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner, often carved into intricate patterns and valued for its unique appearance and pattern. 

Burl Wood   -   Material   -   A type of wood characterized by a twisted grain pattern, derived from the burl growths on trees, highly prized in carving for its unique patterns and figures. 

Burnisher   -   Tool   -   A tool used for polishing wood surfaces, generally consisting of a smooth steel rod with a handle, employed in carving for finishing and smoothing the carved surfaces. 

Burr   -   Tool   -   A rotary carving tool, typically used in power carving, characterized by a rough surface that helps in rapid material removal. 

Butterfly Key   -   Joinery Technique   -   A dovetailed bowtie-shaped piece used to stabilize cracks or joints in a piece of wood, often carved intricately as a feature element. 

Butternut   -   Wood Type   -   A type of wood used in carving, known for its soft and workable nature, allowing for easier carving, especially detailed and intricate works. 

C

Cabinetmaker’s Chisel   -   Tool   -   A type of chisel used for detailed and delicate carving works, often employed in cabinetry and furniture making for precise carving tasks. 

Camber   -   Terminology   -   A slight curvature introduced in a carved piece, either for aesthetic reasons or to facilitate water drainage in carved objects like trays or bowls. 

Canopy   -   Architectural Element   -   A carved decorative hood above a niche, bed, or throne, adding a distinguished aesthetic touch through intricate carving designs. 

Caricature   -   Style   -   A carving style focusing on exaggerating certain features of a figure to create a humorous or cartoonish effect. 

Caricature Carving   -   Style   -   A form of carving where the subjects are represented with exaggerated features or expressions, often used to add a humorous or whimsical touch to the carving. 

Carved Accents   -   Design Element   -   Decorative elements added to furniture, cabinetry, or architectural features through carving, enhancing the aesthetic appeal through detailed work. 

Carved Applique   -   Design Element   -   Decorative motifs carved separately and then applied to a furniture or architectural surface, enhancing the visual appeal through added detail and texture. 

Carved Capital   -   Architectural Element   -   The top part of a column or pillar, often carved with decorative elements to add aesthetic value to architectural structures. 

Carved Corbel   -   Architectural Element   -   A type of bracket, often ornately carved, used to support shelves, mantels, or other overhanging elements, adding a decorative touch to the structure. 

Carved Inlay   -   Design Element   -   Creating a design by carving a recess in the wood surface and inserting a contrasting material, such as a different type of wood or metal, to create a decorative surface. 

Carved Pediment   -   Architectural Element   -   A decorative element found above doors, windows, or other openings, often showcasing intricate carvings and classical designs. 

Carved Rosette   -   Design Element   -   A round, carved decorative element, often featuring floral or geometric patterns, used to adorn furniture, cabinetry, or architectural features. 

Carved Spandrel   -   Architectural Element   -   The space between the outer curve of an arch and the rectangle enclosing it, often carved with decorative designs in woodworking projects to enhance the architectural detail. 

Carver’s Bench   -   Furniture   -   A workbench specifically designed for carving, often featuring built-in clamps and other features to securely hold various sizes and shapes of wood pieces during carving. 

Carver’s Mallet   -   Tool   -   A type of hammer used in carving to drive chisels and other carving tools, generally featuring a rounded head to distribute force evenly and prevent damage to the tools. 

Carver’s Screw   -   Tool   -   A device used to hold small to medium-sized workpieces securely during carving, often screwed into the bottom of the workpiece and clamped to the workbench. 

Carving Club   -   Organization   -   A group or organization where carving enthusiasts meet to carve together, exchange tips and techniques, and promote the art of carving. 

Carving Duplication   -   Technique   -   The process of creating a replica of an existing carving, often employing techniques such as tracing and using carving machines that can duplicate carvings. 

Carving Fork   -   Tool   -   A forked (two-pronged) tool used to hold small pieces of wood securely while carving, helping to prevent injuries by keeping fingers away from the carving tools. 

Carving Gauge   -   Tool   -   A tool with a curved blade used for scooping out wood in carving, facilitating the creation of rounded and hollow areas in the carved piece. 

Carving Knife   -   Tool   -   A knife with a thin, sharp blade, used predominantly in whittling and chip carving for making precise cuts and details. 

Carving Pattern   -   Design Preparation   -   A predesigned template or guide used to transfer carving designs onto the wood surface, helping carvers to achieve precision and consistency in their work. 

Carving Set   -   Tool Set   -   A collection of carving tools, often including chisels, gouges, and knives, bundled together to offer carvers a comprehensive set of tools for various carving tasks. 

Carving Show   -   Event   -   An event where carvers display their works and compete for awards, offering an opportunity for networking and learning from other carvers. 

Carving Station   -   Workshop Setup   -   A designated area in a workshop equipped with all the necessary tools and accessories for carving, facilitating an efficient and organized carving process. 

Carving Vise   -   Tool   -   A clamping device specifically designed to hold carving materials securely, often allowing for rotation to facilitate carving from various angles. 

Caul   -   Tool/accessory   -   A block or pad placed between a clamp and the wood surface to protect the wood from damage during clamping, often used in carving to preserve the delicate carved surfaces. 

Cavetto   -   Design Element   -   A concave molding used in woodworking, often seen in architectural carvings and furniture design, imparting a classic and elegant touch to the carved piece. 

Center Finder   -   Tool   -   A tool used to find the exact center of a piece of wood, helping in positioning designs accurately in carving projects. 

Center Finder Ruler   -   Tool   -   A ruler designed to quickly and accurately find the center point of a wood piece, facilitating symmetrical design planning in carving projects. 

Center Finding Jig   -   Tool   -   A device used to quickly find the center point of round or oddly shaped workpieces, helping in accurate marking for symmetrical carving designs. 

Center Mark   -   Design Preparation   -   Marking the center of a workpiece to aid in symmetrical design planning