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GLOSSARY OF WOODWORKING TERMS
Rip Fence
Adjustable guide used in ripping cuts to keep the workpiece
parallel to the saw blade.
Riving Knife
Also known as a separator or spreader. A metal piece slightly
thinner than the saw blade which helps keep the kerf open
during cutting and prevents kickbacks.
RPM
Revolutions per Minute. The number of turns completed by
a spinning object in one minute. Used to measure the speed
of the blade.
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.
Throat Plate
That part of the table surface through which the blade
protrudes. Removal of the throat plate allows access to the
blade arbor.
Throw-Back
Throwing of a workpiece in a manner similar to a kickback.
Usually associated with a cause other than the kerf closing,
such as a workpiece being dropped onto 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.
Trailing End
The end of the workpiece last cut by the blade in a ripping
operation.
Workpiece
The piece of wood on which the cutting operation is being
performed.
Heel
Misalignment of the blade.
Kerf
The amount of material removed by the blade in a through-
cut, or the slot produced by the blade in non-through or partial
cut.
Kickback
An uncontrolled grabbing or throwing of the workpiece back
toward the front of the saw. Associated with the workpiece
closing the kerf and pinching the blade or otherwise placing
tension on the blade.
Leading End
The end of the workpiece which, during a rip type operation,
is pushed into the cutting tool first.
Miter Cut
A cutting operation made with the wood at any angle other
than 90° to the blade.
Molding
A cut which produces a special shape in the workpiece, used
for joining or decoration.
Non-Through Cut
Any cutting operation where the blade does not extend
completely through the thickness of the workpiece.
Push Block
A device used to feed the workpiece through the saw, except
during narrow rip type operations where a push stick should
be used. It also helps keep the operator's hands well away
from the blade.
Push Stick
A device used to feed the workpiece through the saw to help
keep the operator's hands well away from the blade.
Rabbet
A notch in the edge of the workpiece.
Resin
A sticky, sap-based substance that has hardened.
Rip Cut
A cutting or shaping operation made along the length or grain
of the workpiece.