P - Glossary of Woodworking Terms

 Palm Chisel: A compact, short-handled wood carving tool designed to be pushed with the palm of your hand rather than struck with a mallet. It’s ideal for precision carving, fine detailing, and tight control. Find palm chisels here.

 Panel: A board set in a frame. It can be below, above, or flush with the face of the frame itself. Normally seen in panelled doors and furniture.

 Parallel Clamp: A high-precision woodworking clamp designed to hold pieces together with perfectly aligned pressure, especially useful during glue-ups for panels, cabinets, and furniture. The parallel jaws stay perfectly square (90°) under pressure, preventing bowing or misalignment. Find parallel clamps here.

 Particle Board: Also known as sheet wood or chipboad. It is made from small wood chippings mixed with resin and bound together. Chipboard/Particle Board is generally cheap and easy to use, however it is not waterproof and therefore unsuitable for outdoor use.

 Parting Tool (Woodturning Tool): Used in woodturning to part the finished project from the waste material. Find parting tools here.

 Perspex: Also known as Plexiglass or Acrylic Glass. It is a multi-purpose material, suitable for use as a cheaper and safer alternative to glass.

 Plasterboard: Also known as Drywall. It is made of gypsum (a soft sulfate mineral) that has been mixed with water and spread between two large sheets of paper. It is commonly used for the construction of interior walls and ceilings. Common UK brands include Siniat and Gyproc.

 Plywood: A composite material, made from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together at alternating grain directions to create strength. Different varieties of plywood can be used for different applications eg softwood plywood, hardwood plywood, marine plywood etc.

 Polyurethane Glue: Polymer-based adhesive that cures by reacting with moisture in the air or on the surfaces being bonded. Once cured, it forms a rigid, waterproof bond that’s resistant to heat, chemicals, and impact. Works on wood, metal, stone, concrete, glass, ceramics, and more. Find polyurethane glue here.