Glossary and Woodworking terms by Original Saw Company

Glossary and Terms by Original Saw

Glossary and Terms by Original Saw

Woodworking terms can be confusing. Manufacturing comes with its own language, and at Original Saw Company, we use plenty of industry-specific terms every day. As a woman in manufacturing, I had the distinct “advantage” of knowing nothing about machinery.

My lack of knowledge meant I had to ask many questions—sometimes met with patience, sometimes with a little good-natured teasing. My go-to phrases became, “Yeah, I have no idea what that means” or “I have no clue what you’re talking about.” At this point, my coworkers kindly (or not so kindly ;)) educated me on the import terms.

To help decode the jargon, I’ve compiled a glossary of commonly used terms at our company and in the industry. Whether you’re new to manufacturing or need a refresher, this guide will break it down.


Radial Arm Saw

A Radial Arm Saw is a cutting machine with a carriage that moves along an arm, allowing the spinning blade to cut through wood or metal. While some say the Radial Arm Saw is outdated, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It remains a staple in many industries for crosscutting, ripping, beveling, and miter cutting. Its versatility makes it an essential tool in woodshops, packaging companies, commercial storefront manufacturing, sign-making, industrial arts programs, aircraft manufacturing, home improvement centers, and more.

Contractor Duty Radial Arm Saw

 


Beam Saw

The Beam Saw is the largest saw manufactured by Original Saw Company, and easily cuts wood or metal. Unlike other saws, the carriage slides on tracks above the cutting area, guiding the blade through the material. With a crosscut capacity of over 6 feet, Beam Saws are widely used in garage door manufacturing, commercial decking, crating, and construction industries.

Beam Saw with HDPE Black Plastic Table Inserts


Crosscut Power Saw

Primarily used for wood and plastics, a Crosscut Power Saw saw makes straight, precise cuts. For added safety, this saw features an enclosed cutting area. These saws perform best when paired with Roller or Flat Saw Extension Tables, which help support the material moving through the saw. You will find cut-off saws in home improvement centers, lumber yards, packaging companies, and cabinet shops.

16" Semi-Automatic Crosscut Power Saw


Miter Cut

A miter cut is an angled cut made across the face of a piece of wood. The cut is typically 45 degrees but can be adjusted to different angles. It creates seamless joints where two pieces meet at an angle, such as in picture frames, door and window trim, crown molding, baseboards, and furniture assembly.

This type of cut is achieved by swiveling the arm to the desired angle on a Radial Arm Saw.

miter cut picture frame to explain woodoworking terms


Bevel Cut

A bevel cut is also an angled cut, commonly seen in trim work like mop boards. This type of cut is made by tilting the saw to the required bevel angle.

A bevel cut is an angled cut made along the edge or end of a piece of wood rather than across its face. While commonly set at 45 degrees, bevel angles can be adjusted as needed. This cut is often used for mop boards, trim work, cabinetry, and decorative edges to create smooth transitions and precise joints.

Tilt the motor to the desired angle when making bevel cuts with a Radial Arm Saw.

bevel cut piece of wood to explain woodoworking terms


Voltage

Voltage is the force that pushes electrical current through a circuit, allowing power to flow and operate machinery. It is measured in volts (V) and is essential for running saws and other industrial equipment efficiently and safely.

Common Voltages for Saws

In the U.S., saws and other industrial machines typically operate on the following voltages:

  • 120V – Standard household voltage, used for smaller tools and light-duty saws.
  • 208V – Common in commercial and industrial settings, often used for mid-sized equipment.
  • 230V (also referred to as 240V) – Provides more power than 120V, often used for larger saws and woodworking machinery.
  • 460V – High voltage, typically required for heavy-duty industrial saws with higher power demands.

When selecting a saw, matching the voltage to your available power supply is crucial. Higher voltages allow for more powerful, efficient operation but require the appropriate electrical setup. Always consult an electrician if you are unsure of the electrical requirements of your location.


E-Stop (Emergency Stop)

An E-Stop is a highly visible emergency stop button designed to shut down operations immediately for safety. It provides an extra layer of protection by allowing operators to quickly stop a saw if something goes wrong, such as a material jam, operator error, or unexpected movement. E-Stops are standard on Original Saw Company’s Radial Arm Saws, Beam Saws, and Cut-Off Saws.

Emergency STOP Button N/C Switch - Maker Store USA


Using the Glossary and Terms by Original Saw

Woodworking has its unique language, but it all makes sense once you understand the terminology. Whether new to the industry or just looking to sharpen your knowledge, this glossary provides a solid foundation for standard saw-related terms. At Original Saw Company, we take pride in making high-quality, American-made saws and helping our customers understand how to use them safely and effectively.

We’re here to help if you have questions about our saws or need help selecting the right machine.

Call us at 1-800-733-4063
Email us at customerservice@originalsaw.com
Explore our saws and accessories.

Need a custom solution? Contact our team to discuss your project and find the perfect cutting solution for your shop!

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