Rex Parker said that he wanted to put in ADZE for 1A at first, as a four letter woodworkers tool. It’s a good one to learn! Not a file, though. And more commonly a Thurs-Sat word, I would think.
An adze (/ædz/) or adz is an ancient and versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. Adzes have been used since the Stone Age. They are used for smoothing or carving wood in hand woodworking, and as a hoe for agriculture and horticulture.
Also, re:crosswordese,
Rex Parker said that he wanted to put in ADZE for 1A at first, as a four letter woodworkers tool. It’s a good one to learn! Not a file, though. And more commonly a Thurs-Sat word, I would think.
ADZ or ADZE: