Vocab - G

Galoot

a.k.a. Neanderthal: A woodworker who prefers hand tools to power tools, occasionally to the exclusion of power tools from their shops altogether. In general, their media hero is Roy Underhill (sometimes called “St. Roy”), the host of PBS’s “The Woodwright’s Shop.” Neanderthal woodworkers typically use a separate slang lexicon to describe their work. A couple examples: “tailed apprentice” is the term for power tool. “Crispy” is the term for a vintage tool in mint condition.

Gateleg Table

A type of table with drop leaves that are supported by a leg that swings out; it is sometimes hidden, as one leg is cut in half, half of which is moved to support the leaf

Gel Stain

An oil-based pigmented stain that is thicker in consistency than traditional oil-based stains. Ranging in consistency from heavy cream to almost peanut butter, gel stains are formulated to work well on vertical surfaces (fewer runs) and on woods that are difficult to stain, such as pine and poplar. The thicker consistency of gel stains is supposed to prevent the stain from absorbing unevenly, which causes ugly blotching.

Glue Line

A smooth, flat surface on the edge of a board, suitable for joining to a similarly prepared board with no gaps; the appearance created by such a joint

Glue-Up

The act of assembling parts with glue and clamps.

Gouge

A chisel-like turning or carving tool with a curved edge

Grain

The fibres of the wood and their direction are known as the grain. Some common terms you'll hear that refer to the grain and its direction are: Crosscut' - Cutting across the grain. ripsaw' - Cuts in line with the grain Against the grain' - For a smooth finish and to prevent tearing always plane or pare (chisel) in the same direction as the grain, its the same principle as shaving your face!

Grain Pattern

The visual appearance of the wood grain; types include flat, straight, curly, quilted, rowed, mottled, crotch, cathedral, beeswing and bird’s eye.

Green

Freshly cut timber that has not yet been dried

Green Woodturning

The practice of using uncured wood for turning blanks

Grit

The abrasive material adhered to a backing to produce sandpaper and similar abrasive products

Groove

Rectangular channel cut in the direction of the grain, usually along the long dimension of a board; similar to a dado, which is cut across the grain

Groove Joint

The groove joint can be used in many ways, but is shown here as a way to lock a thinner cabinet back or a drawer bottom. In each application, the groove captures the thinner piece in place without glue because the thin, solid-wood panel can expand and contract with changes in humidity.

Growth Ring

A pattern of alternating light and dark wood created by seasonal changes during a single year of a tree's life cycle

Guard

Any device designed to prevent hands from coming into contact with a cutting edge

Guide Blocks

On a band saw, small metal, ceramic or phenolic blocks that mount on each side of the blade to keep it from twisting and flexing from side-to-side during cuts

Gullet

The deep spaces between teeth on a saw blade

Gusset

A triangular block to strengthen the joining of two members assembled at an angle