(1) Smooth, flat, thin piece of metal or other material and used on a wall or door as a protective cover. (2) Horizontal framing piece that forms the top or bottom of a framed wall with studs being fastened to the bottom plate, which is already attached to the subfloor) and rafters and joists being fastened to the top plate. (3) Covering one material with a thin coating of another, which bonds to it.
Plate cut
The cut in the rafter that rests upon the plate. It is also called the seat cut or birdmounth.
Plate girder
Structural piece consisting of a build up of steel plates and angle iron which are attached together, forming a strong, lightweight section.
Plate glass
Large smooth sheets of ground and polished glass, 1/16 inch thick or more, which are used for large expanses of glass, where strength and thickness is needed.
Plate joiner
The plate joiner, also known as a biscuit joiner, is used specifically to strengthen wood joints in applications such as furniture making. The joiner cuts grooves of varying depths into the adjoining sides of two workpieces. Plates, or biscuits, are then glued into these grooves to reinforce the newly formed joint.
Plate rail
The bottom fence rail, which is supported by a concrete foundation, and to which the rest of the fence is fastened.
Platen
Electric resistance welding machine part which puts force, during welding, on the parts being welded.
Platform
(1) A raised horizontal surface of wood, stone, metal, etc. (2) Raised flooring or stage for performers. (3) A statement of principals and policies.
Platform framing
House framing which has the wall framing resting on top of the subfloor with each story being built up as a separate unit. Balloon framing, another type, has the studs running from the bottom of the first floor to the top of the second floor.
Platform stairway
Stairway which has a landing or a change of direction between floors. Platinum Steel, gray, malleable, ductile metallic chemical element, resistant to corrosion; used for ignition fuses, acid proof containers, jewelry, etc. Atomic Number 78. Atomic Weight 195.09.
