Glossary

adhesive

a substance that is used to bond together materials by surface attachment.

AWMAC

Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada.

bleaching

to apply a chemical solution to wood surfaces for lightening the colour.

Computer-assisted design (CAD)

a technique for designing furniture and cabinet items. This technique can also be used for producing workshop drawings and layouts.

Computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM)

a technique used for manufacturing furniture, cabinets and millwork using machine tools controlled by a computer which has been previously programmed.

crosscut

to cut across the grain of a piece of lumber or sheet goods.

designing

a complex problem solving activity whereby the cabinetmaker must create, invent, search and develop practical solutions to address technical problems. various solutions are analyzed, tried out, modified and incorporated in the design. these solutions are communicated in form of specifications, drawings or models.

final assembly

the final phase of production which involves the fitting together of previously subassembled components.

finishing

the application of finishing materials to wood surfaces for protection and to enhance appearance.

floating construction

a construction technique used in cabinetmaking and furniture production which allows for free movement of solid wood panel to minimize structural damages.

inlaying

the process of decorating by setting previously cut pieces into recessed surfaces.

interchangeability

the standardization of mass-produced parts which ensure that any one part fits in a sub or final assembly.

jigs and fixtures

devices specifically designed and built for the safe performance of repetitive work. they may be used either to hold the work in place or to guide the tools during machining or assembly processes.

layout

the process of setting out full size patterns and shapes of parts and components of cabinet/furniture and architectural woodwork components.

locating spacers

materials used to prevent inaccurate bonding while positioning laminates or veneers over substrate

millwork/architectural woodwork

refers to furniture, cabinets and machined wood products, such as doors, windows, stairways, mouldings, panelling, sidelights, transoms, trims, etc.

prototype

a preliminary version or full-scale model of a cabinet or furniture item, built to ascertain the soundness of the design features. it also helps the production planning process.

quality control

the process of inspecting parts, components or finished products to ensure compliance with previously specified standards.

refinishing

to repair and restore finished surfaces of furniture and cabinets.

restoring

to repair and reconstruct furniture and cabinet components.

rip

to cut along the grain of a piece of lumber, sheet goods or flat stock.

scoring

the process of pre-cutting materials to prevent chipping

shop drawing

technical drawing used to communicate detailed specifications and dimensions of furniture and cabinet items.

shop-manufactured related devices

devices which are custom-designed and manufactured by the cabinetmaker to carry out tasks more efficiently and safely.

solid wood break-out

to perform a rough-cut of material.

steam bending

the process of bending wood while it has been steamed to a malleable state.

sub-assembly

the assembly of parts by gluing, screwing, stapling or other means to form furniture or cabinet components.

templates

a pattern guide or model used for laying out or for verifying the accuracy of machined parts.

veneer

a thin layer of wood, sliced, cut or sawed to even thickness.

veneering

to prepare and cover surfaces with thin layers of wood or veneers.

wood laminating

the process of joining together thin strips of wood by gluing or other means to form a single part.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

the Canadian legislation governing the use of hazardous materials in the workplace.

Abbreviations