Show You Are A Cut Above The Rest And Get 100% On This Woodworking Quiz!
Written by Daniel Rackley
Last updated · 37 min play time
There is nothing better than creating something out of wood that you and your whole family can enjoy. But first, you need to know what you are doing or else you'll end up making a crooked, three-legged table. Take this quiz and see what you know about woodworking!
Quiz written by
Daniel RackleyWoodworking Quiz Questions
66 Questions · 269 Plays · No comments
Question 1
If you ever went to a woodworking class, you probably made one of these simple projects.
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ABirdhouse
-
BBench
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CHouse
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DLife-size replica of the Taj Mahal
Birdhouse
A wooden birdhouse is a pretty standard project for beginners. It often has four equal sides and two slightly larger pieces for the roof. You may have even gone to a class that had the pieces pre-cut which meant you just had to join them together.
Question 2
What is this popular joint called?
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ADovetail
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BButt
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CCoped
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DRabbet
Dovetail
The dovetail joint has been around for centuries. It is a system of cutting two pieces of wood at the edges to snap together and fit like puzzle pieces. They used to be hidden from sight, but now people prefer to see them in the finished product.
Question 3
What is the most popular tool people have in their garage?
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AAuger
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BHammer
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CTable Saw
-
DDrill
Hammer
Almost every homeowner has a claw hammer somewhere in their garage or junk drawer. It may not get used on a weekly or even monthly basis for people who don't work in construction, but it does get some use. Those who like to woodwork have at least one if not more in their toolboxes.
Question 4
What is the name of the pictured tool that helps make sure everything is lined up properly?
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ALaser pointer
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BLevel
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CGeoscope
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DRuler
Level
A level is something not only every woodworker should have, but every homeowner too. It is used to ensure lines are horizontally even and not lopsided. Some of its more popular uses are making sure pictures are hung evenly and that a cut in a piece of wood will be straight.
Question 5
Wood can get rough, especially after it gets cut. You should have one of these to smooth it out so it doesn't continue to splinter.
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ABench plane
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BSander
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CSaw
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DChisel
Sander
A sander is vital to ensure that your wood doesn't have any sharp elements that can cause someone to get a splinter. You can choose a simple hand sander, but electric sanders will make the process go smoothly. (Get it?)
Question 6
Woodworking experts agree that this tool is the one thing every person who works with wood needs.
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AChisel
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BScrew driver
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CPower drill
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DBlowtorch
Chisel
In writing this quiz, it became clear that the chisel is the most indispensable and widely used tool in a woodworker's arsenal. Most agree that you should have a set of varying measurements, but if starting with just one, make it the 3/4-inch model. Also, don't buy the cheapest version - find something of a higher quality. You will use it THAT much.
Question 7
Instead of trying to fit a pencil into a tight space to make a cutting mark, use this little tool.
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AEraser
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BMarker
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CMarking knife
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DScrewdriver
Marking knife
A marking knife is usually about the size of a paring knife, but it allows the user to indicate where you need to place cuts. It can be used in smaller spots and often without too much movement of the wood, so the accuracy is precise.
Question 8
You should always wear this protective gear to shield you from dust and wood shavings.
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AWelding mask
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BOxygen mask
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CDust mask
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DScuba gear
Dust mask
A respirator or dust mask is a must if you want to stop from breathing in the dust and wood shavings around the shop. If you don't use something, you may wind up with serious respiratory issues.
Question 9
What can cause wood to swell?
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ASand
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BCopper
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CLight
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DMoisture
Moisture
Moisture is the worst thing for wood and can compromise the integrity of a piece. Humidity is especially damaging as it can cause wood to feel wet for long periods of time. Moisture also makes wood expand which can cause major problems for any project.
Question 10
This fixed tool is mounted to a workbench securely and has jaws to hold pieces of wood in place.
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AHammer
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BPliers
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CTable saw
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DVise
Vise
A vice comes in handy when you need to use two hands to work on a piece or if the work you need to do on said piece is intricate. It should be bolted into a surface - like a table or a workbench. The jaw is then squeezed shut on the wood thereby freeing up your hands.
Question 11
What should you avoid cutting through in pine wood?
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ATermites
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BThe bark
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CThe grain
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DKnots
Knots
Natural wood, like pine, has knots. You can see some of them from the surface of the wood, but others may be harder to find. Trying to cut through a knot, especially in pine, can be particularly messy due to the sap.
Question 12
This is not a type of puzzle, but a tool used to cut wood.
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ACryptic blade
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BRubik's saw
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CFlat blade
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DJigsaw
Jigsaw
The jigsaw isn't just a type of puzzle - it's an actual saw. This power tool has a reciprocating blade capable of cutting 45-degree angles. It is used for fine and more accurate cuts.
Question 13
When building things from wood, it's a good idea to have this large flat surface to work on.
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AThe ground
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BThe wall
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CA garage
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DWorkbench
Workbench
A workbench is something a novice woodworker may not be able to afford. Luckily, one can easily and rather inexpensively build something that can take a beating while still holding strong.
Question 14
What woodworking tool has a face, tongue, blade, and heel?
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ACobbler's hammer
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BFraming Square
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CShoe horn
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DHacksaw
Framing Square
A framing square is used primarily to ensure angles are properly cut in woodworking projects. It is not actually a square, but an L-shaped tool that has measurements hashed out all around. It is a 90-degree angle itself, and the parts of it have interesting names as noted above.
Question 15
You should invest in some of these items that attach to your project together and hold it steady while glue dries.
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AClamps
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BPliers
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CClothespins
-
DVise
Clamps
Clamps attach firmly to any surface, such as your workbench, and can then hold just about anything else you need them to hold. They are particularly handy when you want to keep the pressure on two pieces of wood until the glue dries.
Question 16
Which of these tools looks like a double "F"?
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AScrewdriver
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BCaliper
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CCompass
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DDrill
Caliper
A caliper is used in measuring the space between openings and the thickness of a piece among other things. It is shaped like a double "F".
Question 17
Taking measurements is made easier with the help of this retractable instrument.
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ASlide rule
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BYard stick
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CTape measure
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DRuler
Tape measure
While all of the above take measurements, a tape measure is the most helpful when working with wood. The retractable tape allows you to go from centimeters all the way up to many feet. You also don't need someone else helping when trying to take a lengthier measurement.
Question 18
These type of pliers can get into tighter spaces and help cut things like wire or remove staples.
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ALocking
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BTongue and groove
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CSlip joint
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DNeedle-nose
Needle-nose
Needle-nose pliers come in real handy when you need to cut wire, pull out staples or get their pointy top into tight spaces. They can also help grip small items steadily without them slipping.
Question 19
What do you have to periodically do to cutting tools to keep them working properly?
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AThrow them away
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BSharpen them
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CUse them
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DGet them wet
Sharpen them
If you feel like your chisel isn't working as well as it did just a week ago, you may want to sharpen it. Most times when a bladed tool doesn't seem to be performing well, chances are it's dull. Invest in a sharpening tool, so you will never have a dull moment. (Get it?)
Question 20
Which of these ancient civilizations first crafted coffins out of wood and even used varnish on them?
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ARomans
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BAthenians
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CMongols
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DEgyptians
Egyptians
You may associate the Egyptians more with stonework because of the pyramids, but they also developed many key elements of modern woodworkers. Archeologists have found a varnish-like material coating coffins and other wooden creations although they are not sure what the substance truly is.
Question 21
When you purchase a tool it comes with a manual. What should you do with it?
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AThrow it out - you don't need directions
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BUse it to line a hamster cage
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CGive it to a neighbor
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DRead it and keep it
Read it and keep it
Instruction manuals are provided for a reason, and you would do well to not only read them but hang on to them. Develop a system in your shop for filing them in case anything comes up that you aren't sure about. Sometimes they include troubleshooting guides as well.
Question 22
This doesn't describe a frog in the throat, but a file created especially for use on wood.
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ADeep
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BRasp
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CFrog
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DRash
Rasp
A rasp resembles a nail file, but it is capable of plowing through wood. It is used mostly to help shape rough wood and can also help smooth rough edges in smaller spaces.
Question 23
What is the most recommended wood to use for woodworking?
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APine
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BParticle board
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CComposite
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DPlywood
Pine
Pine is highly recommended for all types of projects. It is naturally soft, making it easy to drill and cut. It can be sanded, sealed, and stained to keep it looking fresh.
Question 24
This handy tool comes as either a manual, or you can get the type that is powered by either a battery or electricity.
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AAxe
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BDrill bit
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CScrewdriver
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DHammer
Screwdriver
The screwdriver comes in handy when you need to insert a screw to hold the corners of your shadowbox together or when you need to tighten a doorknob. It comes in two most basic types - a flathead or a Phillip's. The Phillip's head is the most often used since most screws come in a cross-shaped pattern.
Question 25
What is something special you can make with a lathe?
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AA table
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BTable and chair legs
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CA door
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DDinner
Table and chair legs
A lathe is an interesting tool to have around the shop. It has the unique ability to turn wood into table and chair legs. After inserting the wood onto the holder, the lathe spins it smoothing it and cutting it as it spins.
Question 26
This funny looking saw has a name that also means "dealing with".
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ACoping saw
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BJigsaw
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CHandsaw
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DCircular saw
Coping saw
A coping saw looks like something out of a medieval torture set, but in reality, it has many applied uses around the workshop. It is a type of bow saw that is used to make intricate cutouts during projects.
Question 27
What's the best glue for wood?
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AEpoxy
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BWhite, multi-purpose glue
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CWood glue
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DIt doesn't matter
Wood glue
Unsurprisingly, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) wood glue is the best choice for wood.
Question 28
In which direction should you sand wood?
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AIn the direction of the longest side
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BIn the direction of the grain
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CAgainst the grain
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DIt doesn't matter
In the direction of the grain
It's best to sand in the direction of the grain to reduce scratching. This is especially important for projects you will stain.
Question 29
The name of this tool is shared with an instrument used in navigation.
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ARadar
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BGPS
-
CCompass
-
DRudder
Compass
You might have used a compass in a drafting class in school. It might have a pencil at one end and a sharp point at the other for widening out to draw perfect circles. In woodworking, a compass or divider may be used relatively the same way - for ensuring perfect symmetry when dividing wood up into equal sections.
Question 30
What's the purpose of a pilot hole?
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AThey help prevent measuring errors
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BThey allow beginners to practice drilling cleanly
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CThey aren't actually necessary with modern tools
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DThey prevent wood from cracking under the pressure of a screw
They prevent wood from cracking under the pressure of a screw
Pre-drilling helps reduce cracking when you add a screw. Though wood might not crack without them, pilot holes are a good insurance policy for strong joints. (Photo: manmadewood.com)
Question 31
Which of these Biblical figures is famous for woodworking?
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ANoah
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BAbraham
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CAdam
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DMoses
Noah
The first woodworker mentioned in the Bible is Noah. He and his three sons crafted an Ark made out of cypress wood that took them 120 years to complete.
Question 32
When should you use pressure-treated wood?
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AWhen you plan to paint it.
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BWhen wood will be exposed to water
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CWhen you like the color green
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DWhen you want superior strength
When wood will be exposed to water
Though pressure-treated wood can be painted, its primary purpose is to resist rot. It's for outdoor situations where wood is exposed to water.
Question 33
When working with a chisel, you sometimes need to use something to force it into place. This is the tool that you should have on-hand to do the trick.
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ASledgehammer
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BMallet
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CAxe
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DClaw Hammer
Mallet
A mallet is a smaller, lighter hammer. Its lightweight design makes it much easier to use on more sensitive areas when you don't want to damage the surface or want better control. Many professional woodworkers prefer a wooden mallet, but a rubber mallet will actually work just as well with a chisel.
Question 34
Name the hand tool used to shape wood using just your muscle power.
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ABench plane
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BBench saw
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CElectric saw
-
DSaw plane
Bench plane
A bench plane is a tool used by pros and DIYers to sure down the wood. It has a knob on two ends and looks like it shaves off slices of the wood you're working with.
Question 35
When should you use shoe molding?
-
AWhen you want to skip crown molding
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BWhen baseboard doesn't fit snugly against floorboards
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CWhen you plan to paint it
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DWhen you want to block drafts around a window
When baseboard doesn't fit snugly against floorboards
Though shoe molding can be placed in any right angle, it's traditionally used to fill gaps between flooring and the baseboard or wall. (Photo: doityourself.com)
Question 36
What's the best way to attach a drawer front?
-
ADovetail joints
-
BFinish nails
-
CBiscuit joints
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DGlue and screw
Dovetail joints
Dovetail joints are the gold standard when in comes to attaching drawer fronts, thanks to their superior tensile strength.
Question 37
Diagonal pliers are used for what specific purpose?
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ATo hold wood
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BTo cut wires
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CTo turn screws
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DTo grasp screws
To cut wires
Diagonal cutters are only used to cut wire. They are sharp and not good for grasping.
Question 38
For what should you use a wooden mallet?
-
AHammering nails
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BAnything you'd use a hammer for
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CTapping a chisel for leverage
-
DPracticing hammer swings
Tapping a chisel for leverage
Wooden mallets aren't strong enough to hammer nails for long, but they're ideal for tapping chisels to gain leverage, especially in a chop cut.
Question 39
When you need to join pieces of wood, doing this first may help the fasteners hold better.
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AStapling them
-
BLicking the pieces
-
CDrilling holes
-
DHammering nails
Drilling holes
Drilling holes where you plan to insert screws may help the screws get into the best position possible to hold the wood strongly. Trying to drive screws in may cause them to bend or go in at an angle affecting the integrity of the joint.
Question 40
How do you use a chisel?
-
AWith only one corner against the wood
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BThe same way you use a screwdriver
-
CPull it toward you
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DPush it away from you
Push it away from you
Chisels are most often used by pressing them away from you to shave off a bit off wood at a time. They can also be used vertically for a chop cut.
Question 41
What should you do if you're out of wood putty?
-
AAllow matching paint to dry out to a thick consistency
-
BUse joint compound instead
-
CMake a mixture of wood glue and sawdust from the same species
-
DFill the holes with sand
Make a mixture of wood glue and sawdust from the same species
Make your own wood filler with sawdust and glue for a quick, inexpensive wood putty. (doityourself.com)
Question 42
How did people used to learn the fundamentals of working with wood?
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ADivined it from God
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BJust goofed around with the machines
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CSung hymns about it
-
DWood shop class
Wood shop class
Middle schools and high schools used to offer wood shop, which used to be the way young men and women learned the basics of working with wood. These days, the class has been phased out in many districts, being replaced by technology electives.
Question 43
"Measure ____, cut once."
-
AUp
-
BCarefully
-
COnce
-
DTwice
Twice
The old saying in woodworking is "Measure twice, cut once" to avoid costly mistakes.
Question 44
How can you make untreated wood waterproof?
-
ALacquer
-
BPolyurethane
-
CVarnish
-
DAll of these
All of these
When creating a chair or other project to be used outdoors, you want to protect it from the elements, especially water. Repeated exposure to water can rot wood. Therefore, use lacquer, polyurethane, or varnish to help seal the wood and make it last.
Question 45
Which sand paper is the finest?
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A180 grit
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B240 grit
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C600 grit
-
D60 grit
600 grit
The higher the number, the finer the sandpaper.
Question 46
Which of these popular tools are the Romans NOT credited with inventing?
-
AElectric screwdriver
-
BClaw hammer
-
CAuger
-
DNails
Electric screwdriver
The Romans liked to improve things, and in doing invented tools that we still use today. They are credited with inventing the claw hammer, auger, and for being the first to create and make iron nails.
Question 47
This type of hammer comes in handy when trying to avoid damaging wood while adding details like molding.
-
AClaw hammer
-
BMallet hammer
-
CWooden hammer
-
DFinishing hammer
Finishing hammer
A finishing hammer is the perfect smaller version of the claw hammer. It is utilized when adding molding or small details using finishing nails.
Question 48
This woodworking project is one of the cheapest to make and one of the most profitable to sell.
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ACouch
-
BPlatform bed
-
CKitchen island
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DPlanter
Planter
Planter boxes are relatively cheap to build but are capable of turning quite a nice profit. It is a basic woodworking project as well, so you can build a decent inventory in a relatively short amount of time.
Question 49
What animal lends its name to a helpful tool?
-
APig
-
BCat
-
CHorse
-
DDog
Horse
Having a few saw horses around the shop can be a blessing when trying to cut large pieces of wood. You can purchase them or build them depending on your level of comfort.
Question 50
When do you need to season wood?
-
AWhen it's purchased in the winter
-
BWhen you have enough time
-
CWhen it's old
-
DWhen it's green
When it's green
Whether standard or pressure treated, green lumber has a high moisture content and needs to air dry to shrink to its final size and properly take paint or stain. To avoid this process, seek out kiln-dried lumber instead.
Question 51
What is a spindle sander used for?
-
ANone of the above
-
BHollowing out boards
-
CSanding a smooth finish usually on curved wood
-
DCleaning out sandpaper
Sanding a smooth finish usually on curved wood
A spindle sander makes it easier to sand curved edges of wood.
Question 52
How far apart should you place studs when building a wall?
-
A24 inches on center
-
B20 inches on center
-
C16 inches on center
-
D12 inches on center
16 inches on center
Though older homes can vary, the industry standard is 16 inches on center.
Question 53
Cross cuts and bevels are easily made with what saw?
-
ARadial
-
BCompound miter
-
CHack
-
DAir
Compound miter
A compound miter saw is the best way to make angled cuts and perform beveling. Crosscuts on longer pieces of wood are made easier with this piece of machinery.
Question 54
When should you raise the grain of wood?
-
ABefore planing boards
-
BBefore rough sawing
-
CDuring final sanding and finishing
-
DAfter painting
During final sanding and finishing
"Raising the grain" of the wood by adding a bit of water before a final sanding helps get the smoothest finish.
Question 55
How should you definitely NOT rest a plane blade when not in use?
-
AIn a bucket of water
-
BOn its side
-
COn the blade
In a bucket of water
Some people think that resting it on its blade is best because it will protect the freshly honed iron. Others think that you should place it on its side so that you don't scuff up your workbench. Either way, you definitely shouldn't put it in a bucket of water, because that can cause it to rust and will make it much harder when you actually want to use it.
Question 56
What is a breadboard end?
-
AAn inset panel
-
BA piece of butcher block
-
CA board designed to strengthen the ends of a long panel
-
DA flush set face frame
A board designed to strengthen the ends of a long panel
A breadboard end is most often seen at the short ends of a tabletop that is made of long boards. It provides stability and allows for expansion and contraction.
Question 57
What is the purpose of a drill press?
-
APresses a drill into a flat surface
-
BAllows complete control over the drill
-
CHolds the screws in place while you hold the wood
-
DIt takes up space
Allows complete control over the drill
A drill press is a standing drill that can be controlled by use of a lever or handle. It is fixed and therefore much easier to guide and control.
Question 58
When should you use a crosscut saw?
-
AWhen cutting against the grain
-
BWhen cutting across the grain
-
CWhen you want to cut only on the pushing motion
-
DWhenever you want
When cutting across the grain
A crosscut saw is designed to make fine cuts against the grain. Its teeth cut in both directions, whether you're pushing or pulling. (Photo: crosscutsaw.com)
Question 59
What is a traditional Kreg jig used for?
-
ASharpening chisels
-
BCutting dowels into half-rounds
-
CPocket-hole joinery
-
DCutting dovetails
Pocket-hole joinery
A Kreg jig makes an angled hole, or pocket, to guide a screw between two pieces of wood at right angles.
Question 60
Which of these tools is appropriate for use with a lathe?
-
AA parting tool
-
BAll of the above
-
CA skew chisel
-
DA spindle gouge
All of the above
An awl is not a woodturning tool, but gouges, scrapers, parting tools and skew chisels are.
Question 61
What is a unique feature of a Shop-Vac?
-
AIt can suck up wood shavings
-
BIt doesn't work well at all
-
CIt can suck up dirt
-
DIt can suck up water
It can suck up water
Woodworkers and DIYers almost always have a Shop-Vac among their most prized possessions. This vacuum was built for heavy work around the garage and can suck up just about anything. The unique feature, however, is it does something no other vacuum can: Sucks up water.
Question 62
Should you shake polyurethane before use?
-
AIt depends on the amount of gloss
-
BYes
-
CNo
-
DIt doesn't matter
No
Shaking polyurethane and other clear finishes can introduce air bubbles, which can cause a rough finish. Stirred, not shaken, is ideal.
Question 63
Which of the following is NOT a place where tongue and groove joints are commonly used?
-
AWall paneling
-
BBaseball bats
-
CTable tops
-
DFloorboards
Baseball bats
Tongue and groove joints are made for securing long boards together. Common in floorboards and other paneling projects, they can also be used to attach boards for a tabletop.
Question 64
What innovative country was the first to bend wood to make barrels and other rounded pieces?
-
ASouth Korea
-
BJapan
-
CUnited States
-
DChina
Japan
Japan gets credit for first bending wood. Part of the reason Japan was so advanced with woodworking is because it was the first country to use high-quality carbon fiber tools. These were much more accurate and allowed for precise measurements and cuts.
Question 65
An adze was one of the first tools early humans invented. What was it used for?
-
ATo dress timber
-
BTo kill animals
-
CTo dice fish
-
DTo chop down trees
To dress timber
An adze is like an axe, except the blade is turned 90 degrees. It was used primarily for dressing - or smoothing - large pieces of timber.
Question 66
An air compressor is a helpful tool to have on hand. But what is something it CAN'T do?
-
AHammer nails
-
BBuild a house
-
CPower a saw
-
DApply a fresh coat of paint
Build a house
An air compressor is one of the most versatile tools to have on-hand. With so many attachment options, it can do almost anything you need, including powering a saw, hammering nails with a gun, and spraying on paint.
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