to grind, file, clean, smooth or trim the surface of a cast or forged metal component in order to remove unwanted material, such as excess metal, sharp edges, or rough surfaces (known as “flash” or “fins”) left behind during casting or hot-dip galvanising. (Possibly the original of the phrase ‘in fine fettle’ to mean in high spirits or good health.) Originally from 18th-century Lancashire dialect.
adze
A tool similar to an axe, but with the blade at an angle of approximately 90° to the handle, used for cutting and shaping wood. Surface of wood can be adzed to add a decorative effect. Often seen on wooden arts and crafts furniture.
Thrums
In weaving the thrums are the leftover parts of the warp which cannot be woven. They usually refer to the threads at the back and front of the loom where they were tied on. Finding ways to use up this scrap yarn is a joyful challenge for many weavers.
stash
An informal and often self-depricating or affectionate term used to describe a large and growing collection/hoard of materials (yarn, fabric, paper, scraps) owned by a craftsperson.
slip
Slip (aka clay slurry) is a mixture of clay and water. (There is no fixed ratio, but it tends to be approx as runny as single cream.) It is used either for joining leather-hard (semi-hardened) pieces of pottery together; ‘slipcasting,’ a process during which it is poured into and then out of a plaster mould, leaving behind only the clay that has dried as water is absorbed into the plaster; and/or glazing or decorating the pottery by painting or dipping the pottery with slip.
niddy-noddy
A hand tool used to wind yarn into skeins. The name is thought to mimic the nodding motion of the tool.
checking
“Checking” is what woodworkers call the separation of wood fibres that happens as they dry. Because the outer layers of the wood dry faster than the interior core, the resulting tension causes visible cracks along the surface grain of a timber.
punky
“Punky” is used to describe wood in which fungi have been allowed to grow for too long, making the wood “punky,” soft, and structurally unsound. (Fungi is sometimes encouraged for the ‘spalted’ colouration and patternation effects it creates.)
spalted
Spalted wood is wood that has colouration or patterning caused by fungi, specifically resulting from the initial stages of decay. Spalting can be seen as a flaw, but it is increasingly sought after as an aesthetic in woodworking, characterised by dramatic dark lines, bleached areas, and vibrant staining. It is most visible in paler timbers such as maple, beech and birch.
grog
‘Grog’ is a gritty substance usually made from ground-up already-fired clay, that is added to unfired to improve its performance. Grog reduces shrinkage, prevents cracking and warping, and helps to resist thermal shock when pieces are fired. It also adds “tooth” for more structural integrity in hand-building and sculpting (and hurts your hands when you’re first learning to throw!)