Tools Used In The Art Of Japanese Woodworking
Tools used in Japanese woodworking are specialized tools. Most times made and sharpened by the user. In addition many years of experience are required to become a master. All of those tools are hand tools, still used today.
Western style of construction would include power tools. In the construction of Kumiko, power tools can mass cut a big part of the total cutting. Furthermore it saves a huge amount of time.
- Dozuki Saw: Get the best Japanese hand saw you can afford. This will be your best friend when cutting Kumiko and small woodworking.
- Square: A small decent 6″ square, you will use this all the time.
- Ruler: Ruler with both metric and imperial if you can get them.
- Mechanical Pencil: A good mechanical pencil is very important for drawing those fine lines.
- Block Plane: You will need a plane to make the angles on the Kumiko for the friction fit.
- 1/8 Inch Wood Chisel: Needed to clean out cuts made in Kumiko.
- 1/4 Inch Wood Chisel: Needed if you incorporate 1/4 Kumiko into your design.
- 1 1/2 Inch Wood Chisel: Excellent for cutting angles with Kumiko jigs.
- Marking Knife: Better than using a pencil line to start your cuts.
- Depth Gauge Marker: Not critical but always nice to have for depth cuts.
Having the right tools and becoming proficient at using them is important. In addition you will be happier with the end result.
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