The Ultimate Carpentry Quiz

Dovetail joints are among the most popular types utilized in carpentry due to their impressive strength. As the name suggests, the joint somewhat resembles the tail of a dove. This joint tends to be particular popular for use in furniture like drawers, tables, and armoires.

Though most carpenters typically have an awl, gimlet, and drawknife on hand, they do not need an anvil. An anvil is primarily used for welding.

The fascia board completes the roof, giving it a finished appearance. The long board connects to the lower part of the rafters and trusses, which also aids in structural support.

Joiners specialize in creating the intricate joints necessary to craft anything from buildings to cabinets. While most carpenters know basic joinery, those who specialize in the field are often tasked with final fittings that ensure the project meets the necessary specifications and regulations.

Joists are the parallel beams that you can find supporting just about any building. In residential structures, they tend to be made from wood or concrete. In commercial construction, joists are often steel.

When a carpenter refers to an object as "plumb," it means it is perfectly straight. Most often, a plumb line refers to one that runs from the ceiling to the floor. In construction, lines must be impeccably even in order to install windows, tiling, and doors correctly.

Lumber refers to wood sawn into planks or otherwise partially prepared for construction. When building homes, carpenters most often use framing lumber, also known as structural wood.

Most carpenters, woodworkers, and other craftspeople know to hammer nails down about two-thirds of the way. This length seems to offer optimal structural integrity.

While pressure-treated lumber helps combat moisture, insect, and fungal-related damage, it cannot prevent cracks and flaws entirely. This treated lumber is often used in the construction of decks and other outdoor surfaces.

When a carpenter needs to dig a nail out of a board, she might say, "pass the cat's paw, please." This handy tool helps carpenters pull out nails with ease.

Traditionally, carpenters that have finished their apprenticeships are called journeymen. However, any carpenter with several years of experience may also be called a journeyman.

After working as a journeyman for some time, a carpenter would present a piece for review by their master carpenter. If the master carpenter deemed it faultless and high quality, the journeyman would also attain the title of master carpenter.

Raked walls are common in buildings with vaulted, barrel, or cathedral ceilings. In this type of construction, the top of the wall matches the roof's pitch.

The area where two different roof slopes intersect is called a valley. These V-shaped channels exist all across the roof structure.

Melamine plywood's specially-treated properties make it very resistant to wear-and-tear of the years. This material is often used in the cabinetry industry.

As the name suggests, scissor trusses resemble a pair of open scissors. Predominantly used in vaulted or cathedral building construction, these trusses possess chords that cross each other.

Much like on a mountain, the peak marks the highest point of the roof. Unless the roof is flat - in which case it has no peak.

Typically, carpenters place studs in residential construction about 24 inches apart. Sometimes, though, they might lie at about 16 inches. If you need to find a stud in your home, now you know just where to look.

A carpenter often has a scratch awl on hand, which is used to etch a line in the wood or other material before cutting. This tool helps ensure optimal precision.

The stringers attach to the risers and treads on both sides of the steps. This structure is essential to maintaining the safety and function of the stairs.

Balloon walls refer to walls taller than the typical 8 or 9-foot wall that is a norm in residential construction. These walls are often used for stair openings or two-story foyers.

Bevel cuts or cheek cuts are used on the sides of hips or valleys where they connect with the ridge board. This cut helps the structure lie properly.

A bit brace is commonly used by carpenters to create thin layers of wood. It features a U-shaped grip, which the carpenter rotates to cut the wood.

This triangular-shaped tool combines a number of common carpentry functions into one handy device. When a carpenter needs to make an angle, the speed square gets the job done much faster than using a traditional measuring tool.

A clamp can be used to hold two pieces together firmly. For instance, a carpenter might clamp together wood that needs to be nailed together.

A laser level is utilized to measure slope. To ensure the door lining fits perfectly, a carpenter should use a laser level, which is extremely accurate, to determine the appropriate slope.

To create a compound mitre cut, the carpenter must slice two angles into the wood at the same time. This tactic is commonly used to create crown molding.

Also sometimes referred to as blocking or bridging, noggins are extra pieces of timber inserted into the structure to strengthen it. A carpenter might add noggins to bolster a floor or wall, for instance.

Carpenters use wing dividers to plot perfect curves, such as those necessary for circular work. It is similar to a compass.

True to its name, a carpenter's level is often used by carpenters to establish straight vertical lines. They come in several sizes ranging from two eight-feet and beyond.

Cutting across the grain can be tricky, but sometimes, a carpenter may need to do it. A cross cut sled will help the carpenter cut against the grain with ease.

When a carpenter cuts a pice of wood parallel to the grain, it's called rip cutting. This can easily be done with any type of saw.

While carpenters were responsible for building bridges for centuries, today, that task is largely left up to engineers and architects due to the structural complexities involved in making a bridge safe for motor vehicle use.

A carpenter will frequently use the Phillips head, which has a cross-shaped tip. They may also often use a slot head, which has a straight-line tip.