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Friday, November 21, 2025
Sign of the Day
depth of cut
This BSL sign visually represents the action of measuring and then making a cut, conveying the specific dimension of the cut's depth. It combines a measuring gesture with a slicing motion
B2 Technical Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
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Dominant G-hand, then dominant B-hand. Non-dominant B-hand
Downward measuring motion, then horizontal slicing across
Engineering, manufacturing, woodworking, machining contexts
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form non-dominant flat B-hand, palm facing dominant side.
- Form dominant G-hand, touch index to non-dominant palm, move downward along fingers.
- Change dominant to flat B-hand, palm down.
- Slice dominant B-hand horizontally across non-dominant B-hand
Coach prompt
Practice the G-hand measuring motion first, then the B-hand slicing motion, finally combine them smoothly
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant G-hand, then dominant B-hand. Non-dominant B-hand · Code G-hand, B-hand (dominant); B-hand (non-dominant)
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Near, Touch
Palm orientation
Dominant G-hand palm inward, dominant B-hand palm down. Non-dominant B-hand palm toward dominant side
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
Body shift
None
Use It Today
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The machinist adjusted the depth of cut for a smoother finish
The non-dominant hand represents the material being cut
Best fit: Engineering, manufacturing, woodworking, machining contexts
Mirror focus
Practice the G-hand measuring motion first, then the B-hand slicing motion, finally combine them smoothly
Catch the slip
Ensure the G-hand accurately 'measures' against the non-dominant hand and the B-hand 'slices' across it, not just a random motion
Use it today
The machinist adjusted the depth of cut for a smoother finish
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshapes or movement sequence
When not to use it: General conversation outside technical contexts
Regional note: None known widely
Cultural note: Reflects practical, visual representation of the concept
1.[en] What is the depth of cut? / BSL:[Sign DEPTH-OF-CUT]
2.[en] Increase the depth of cut. / BSL:[Sign INCREASE then DEPTH-OF-CUT]
3.[en] Set the depth. / BSL:[Sign SET then DEPTH-OF-CUT]
What is the BSL sign for depth of cut?
It's a two-handed sign where the dominant G-hand measures downward against the non-dominant B-hand, then the dominant B-hand slices across it.
How do you sign depth of cut in BSL?
First, hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm facing your dominant side. Then, use your dominant G-hand to measure downwards along the non-dominant fingers. Finally, switch your dominant hand to a flat B-hand and slice it horizontally across the non-dominant hand.
Is depth of cut one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It is a two-handed sign. The non-dominant hand acts as the material being cut, while the dominant hand performs the measuring and slicing actions.
What handshape is used for depth of cut in BSL?
The sign uses a dominant G-hand for the initial measuring motion, which then changes to a dominant flat B-hand for the slicing motion. The non-dominant hand holds a flat B-hand shape.
How does depth of cut differ from similar signs in BSL?
This sign uniquely combines a specific measuring gesture with a slicing action. It differs from general 'cut' signs by incorporating the 'depth' aspect, often by using the non-dominant hand as a reference plane. It's more specific than 'measure' alone, as it integrates the cutting action.
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Word web
cutting depth
plunge depth
surface cut
shallow cut
measure
cut
deep
dimension
cut
measure
deep
dimension
machine
engineering
CUT (general): Often uses a dominant G-hand or X-hand making a single cutting motion, usually in the air or against the non-dominant hand, but lacks the initial "measuring" component.
MEASURE (length): Typically involves two G-hands moving apart or a G-hand moving along a surface, focusing purely on length, without an implied cutting action.
THICKNESS: Uses the dominant G-hand to indicate width or thickness between the thumb and index finger, often against the non-dominant hand, but doesn't involve a slicing movement
Engineering
machining
measurement
manufacturing
depth of cut
cutting depth
engineering
Measurement
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