Quote Originally Posted by mklotz View Post
Caveat: I know virtually nothing about woodworking.

My understanding of "flatter" matches the blacksmith interpretation discussed here. However, my subconscious keeps tickling me with the idea of something used in applying veneer in woodworking. Also, something associated with "fulling".

Are there any alternate usages of the word or is it just some wires crossed in my medulla?
Veneer is applied with a veneer hammer, although no hammering is involved. It looks a bit like a croupier’s rake, but is used back to front, with pressure applied on the cross piece in a zigzag way along the veneer being laid. I’ll post a picture tomorrow, if you like.