Machines & power tools

Powered machines: the router, saws, planer, lathe, and mortiser.

• LatheA machine that spins a piece of wood on its axis while a cutting tool pares it into a round shape, a process called turning.
• Planer thicknesserA workshop machine that trues a board's face and edge flat and square, then planes it down to an even thickness throughout.
• RouterA handheld power tool that spins a cutting bit to cut grooves, shape edges and form joints, or mounts upside down beneath a table.
• Band sawA power saw with a single toothed blade welded into a loop and run over two wheels, cutting continuously in one direction.
• Table sawA machine built around a fixed circular blade rising through a table, with the wood pushed across the table into it.
• Spindle moulderA stationary power machine that spins cutters on a vertical spindle to cut mouldings and other shaped profiles in timber.
• SanderA power tool that smooths wood by rubbing abrasive paper against the surface rather than slicing the fibres away.
• MortiserA machine that chops a rectangular mortise socket into timber, doing by power what is otherwise done with mallet and chisel.