Traditional Japanese woodworking has much to offer the west, particularly those of us with an interest in working wood with hand tools. Japan’s blacksmiths are renowned for the quality of their blades, and their carpenters are equally respected for the skill with which they use them. In this class, Andrew Hunter will introduce students to the magical world of Japanese woodworking.

The week will begin with an introduction to the tools. Japanese saws, planes and chisels will each be covered in detail with demonstrations on how to set up, sharpen and use each tool to their fullest capacity.

Students will learn overarching techniques associated with Japanese joinery. Topics will include the role of the centerline, correct posture, secrets to getting precise cuts and ways to check the accuracy of the work. Andrew will show how to incorporate these woodworking techniques while cutting a simple mortise and tenon. The week will wrap up with everyone laying out, and cutting by hand, a complete Kanawa-tsugi, an intricate Japanese scarf joint.

Students are encouraged to bring their own Japanese tools to class. Andrew will offer feedback and assistance on getting them tuned and set up to work more efficiently. 

If you don’t have your own collection of Japanese tools (yet), no worries. Andrew and the School will have a few sets for community use. See the basic set of tools needed is detailed below.

Some of the key learning points include:

• • The fundamental principles and philosophy of Japanese woodworking
  • Japanese carpentry & techniques such as:
  • Hand planing with a Kanna (Japanese hand plane)
  • Sharpening and using Japanese tools
  • The different applications of various joints
  • Accurate Joint layout using centerlines
  • Wood compression for a very tight fit

Open from beginners wanting to make their first steps into Japanese woodworking and for those looking to step up their joinery making skills.

TOOLS REQUIRED

Technically the school will have most everything you will need to enjoy the class, but students are encouraged to bring their own. 

Tools that will be needed include:

• Sashigane (Carpenter’s square). Any flat square will work, including drafting triangles (The School has these)
•  A Sumitsubo or ink line for snapping straight lines
• A set of chisels including at least: 12mm (1/2″), 15mm (5/8″) and around a 24mm (1″) (There is a set at each student bench if you don’t have your own)
• Smoothing plane, A Kanna would, of course, be best, but your sharpest western plane will work. (The School has a western hand plane for each student if you don’t have your own)
• Hammer for striking the chisel (A Genno, Japanese double-sided hammer is the best) (There is a mallet at each student bench if you don’t have your own)
• Saw for med-fine work, around 240mm. A Ryoba (double edge) saw is a good option. Having a new sharp saw will really help. Students are recommended to invest in a new inexpensive Gyokucho brand or similar saw before class.
• Sharpening stones (1000 grit and 6000 The School has sets for student use, but feel free to bring your own)
• Diamond plate for flattening stones (School has these)
• A trusted straight edge ~12″
• Your favourite layout pencil (mine is a .5mm mechanical), and be sure to bring your reading glasses if you need them!

Other tools which are good to have:

• Smaller squares and try squares (there is a 6″ at each student bench)
• Other chisel sizes
  • A paring chisel
  • Rabbett plane (School has 4 community rabbet planes)

Suggested Tool Resources:

http://hidatool.com/list/c/woodworking

https://suzukitool.com/tools/japanese-woodworking-tools

Books & Reference Materials

Optional Book Recommendations (not required for the class)

• Toshio Odate’s book Japanese Woodworking Tools
• Dale Brotherton’s Sharpening book
• The Complete Japanese Joinery by Sato
• The Genius of Japanese Carpentry by Brown