Kumiko: Learn Traditional Japanese Woodworking

Included with course. Start Woodworking (eBook) is a $15 value and describes a good introduction to woodworking basics along with the basic tools necessary to start woodworking. Available at link below.

https://online.fliphtml5.com/xcdme/rymr/?code=torrent

More introduction to Kumiko and how to create the strips (bars) used for both the outside grid (Jigumi) and inner components. Importance of thicknessing the strips to 1/8 in. and to have a uniform width along their length. How to create the half-lap joints to interlock the outside grid (Jigumi). A forgiving wood, basswood, is used at 1/8 in. thickness throughout. Basswood is easily obtainable at wood supply outlets. Basswood is ideal for Kumiko as the ends of the components conform to each other when assembled due to the softer nature of Basswood.

More on creating the outside grid components and creating half-lap joints. Using the Thicknessing Sled (described in a later lecture) to ensure that the Kumiko strips (bars) are of uniform thickness (1/8 in.) across their length. Techniques of how to assemble the grid (Jigumi) with the half-lap joinery is also described in this video.

Creating the inner components of the Kumiko panel. Guide Blocks (plans included) are used to create beveled angles at each end of the small components. The angles are precisely beveled to interlock together forming the unique asa-no-ha pattern. It is critical that these angles are precise as the joinery used is dependent on these angles for successful interlocking. This lecture describes how to create the inner components using guide blocks and a wide chisel.

Narration of detailed video segments of creating the inner Kumiko components using the Guide Blocks. Close-up views of using a wide 1 in. chisel to form the beveled angles at the ends of each of the components. A breakdown of the individual inner components and how the precise angles involved form the interlocking joinery. Chisel techniques that are safe and efficient are also described.

Attached article Bench Hook Project provides an Intro to the Bench Hook and how to make one. Detailed steps are provided on making your first bench hook and using it to cut Kumiko parts to length. Bench hooks excel at cutting small parts to size. Kumiko strips are easily sawn on a bench hook using a fine-toothed backsaw. Once the Kumiko strips are thicknessed and ripped to a uniform width, the bench hook excels at cross cutting the parts to length.

Introduction to Kumiko Guide Blocks. Overview of how the Guide Blocks are created with different (67.5d, 22.5d, 45d) beveled ends. The sequence to create the blanks for the Guide Blocks is described using a band saw and table saw. After completing this lecture, you will understand how to create the dimensioned guide block blanks with beveled ends at precise angles.

Continued sequence of creating Guide Blocks from maple blanks. The process to create a routed groove (1/2 in. Wide) in the Guide Block is also described. This groove will allow the sliding stop to slide back and forth depending on the components being beveled. The process of creating the Sliding Stop is also described. The slot for the sliding stop is formed on a router table.

With the Guide Block blank prepared and the sliding stop ready and fitted, the Guide Blocks are now assembled. The groove for the sliding stop is accurately routed for the stop to glide along in the groove. It is set at 1/2 in. width. Holes are bored into the blank to allow for an adjusting screw or bolt. This adjustment will allow the sliding stop to be locked into place when beveling the ends of the small Kumiko components. The completed guide blocks (2) are shown and demonstrated.

The Thicknessing Sled is an easy to make jig that attaches to the workbench surface. Sliding a block plane along rabbeted grooves enables you to accurately thickness small narrow boards. The thicknessing sled is used to reduce Kumiko strips down to a uniform thickness (1/8 in.) as described in earlier lectures. It can also be used for other components such as jewelry box dividers. The Thicknessing Sled is very versatile and can be used in many of your woodworking projects.