T-slot
A slot of metal or wood in an inverted T shape, used as a guide for accessories
Table Saw
A type of stationary arbor-driven circular saw that is set below a table upon which the workpiece is cut
Tack Cloth
A sticky cloth used to remove dust from freshly sanded wood before staining or finishing
Tack Time
The time it takes glue to begin to hold
Tail
The cutout portion of a dovetail joint, designed to accept a matching pin
Tailstock
The apparatus on the unpowered side of a lathe that holds a workpiece for spindle turning
Tambour
A type of sliding door that employs a number of narrow strips meeting in a loose tongue and groove and are attached to a piece of cloth and set in a track
Tape measure
a length of tape or thin flexible metal, marked at intervals for measuring.
Taper
Any cut that gradually decreases a workpiece's dimension toward its end instead of running parallel to it
Tear-Out
Splintering caused on the underside or end of a workpiece when a saw blade, router bit, or other cutter exits the wood. Tear-out of the timber fibres is caused when crosscutting timber. Avoided by scoring with a sharp Stanley knife first. Also avoided by using the saw to cut into the face first and out the back of the work-piece.
Teeth Per Inch
A method by which saw blades are classified (abbrev. “tpi”), based on the number of full teeth in a 1′′ span
Tempering
Process of using heat to harden a blade or knife to better accept a sharpened edge
Template
A pattern used to guide a router or other cutting tool; A template is either a preformed shape laid onto timber several times when making repeat cuts or a power tool guide. Common uses are as guides for plunge routers.
Tenon
The stub cut on the end of a workpiece intended to be inserted and secured into a matching cavity, or mortise, cut into another workpiece
Tension
Force on the joint or wood that pulls it in opposite directions
Tensioning
Describes the amount of tautness applied to a band saw blade by adjusting the upper support wheel
Through
Any cut that goes completely through a workpiece, such as a through mortise
Through Dovetail Joint
Similar to the half-blind dovetail joint, but much easier to make. It offers great strength and visible joinery on both faces of the corner. It typically appears in case construction to join the top, bottom and sides. It also is commonly found at the back of drawer boxes, joining the drawer sides with the back.
Through Joint
Similar in strength to the stopped dado joint, this dado continues through both sides of the side piece. This is easier to make, but it leaves the joinery visible. It is typically used to join shelves to the sides of a carcase, especially when the cabinet will be fitted with a face frame that will conceal the joinery.
Through Mortise-and-Tenon Joint
The through tenon is seen on the opposite side of the mortised piece. It is a simple way to not have to worry about gauging the accurate depth of the mortise, because the tenon is cut flush after assembly.
Tiger Figuring
A type of wood figuring that resembles a tiger's stripes
Toe-Nail
To drive nails at an angle to the workpiece. the act of driving a nail at an angle through a board to attach it to another surface (done at an angle because of a tight space where a hammer cannot be used effectively, or to attach a piece perpendicular to another piece)
Tongue-and-Groove Joint
Essentially a mortise-and-tenon joint cut along the length of two boards, this joint can add some strength to an already strong long-grain edge joint, but is most useful when used without glue. This joint allows the boards to move with changes in humidity, but still keeps the surfaces evenly aligned.
Tool Rest
A horizontal metal bar on a lathe that holds a chisel steady while cutting
Torque
A measure of the amount of force used to rotate a shaft
Torx Head
Type of screw head that resembles a star pattern
Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled
A type of motor (abbrev. “TEFC”)
TPI
Teeth per inch
Track Saw
A circular saw that runs on an extruded track for breaking down sheet goods
Triple Chip
Flat-top teeth on a saw blade that have been chamfered 45° on the corners of the cutting edge
Truing
The act of making true, as in square, flat, concentric or balanced; or to restore to an original shape
Trunnion
Metal mounting brackets that hold a motor; a pin or pivot on which something can be rotated or tilted
Try Square
A hand tool used to measure, confirm, and mark right angles
Tung Oil
An oil finish made from tung nuts; the term is often used generically to describe any penetrating oil finish
Tungsten Carbide
An allow of tungsten and carbon used to harden edges
Turn Between Centers
Spindle turning on the lathe with the workpiece held between the headstock and tailstock
Turnery or Turning
Refers to work done on a lathe
Twist
Lumber defect where the board is twisted along its length
Twist Bit
Drill bit featuring a recessed spiral cut along the length of the bit; a drill bit comprising a cylindrical shank with helical flute to carry away the material, its end is shaped in a conical angle that forms cutting edges
Two-By (2-By)
Dimensional lumber nominally 2" thick