Woodworking
Make a Japanese Toolbox
Meeting Times
- Tue, 3/5/2024 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Thur, 3/7/2024 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Tue, 3/12/2024 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Thur, 3/14/2024 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tue, 3/5/2024 - Thur, 3/14/2024
Closed
About
Make a Japanese toolbox in this class, which is designed for both beginning and intermediate-level students of Japanese woodworking techniques. Beginners will learn some of the basics of Japanese tools and ways of working wood, which are very different from those that evolved in the West. Intermediate students will brush up on techniques and learn more complex joinery to incorporate in their boxes.
The toolbox is designed to safely store and transport hand planes, hammers and chisels. But you can use yours for any number of purposes. The box will be made of yellow cedar and will be pproximately 10 inches wide, 20 inches long and 6 inches tall. It will have a sliding lid that locks into place without hardware. To hold the parts together, beginners will use copper nails — but with a clever twist developed by Japanese carpenters that keeps them from popping out. More advanced students will make mortise and tenon joints.
You will learn:
- how to sharpen the chisels and plane blades, by hand on water stones.
- how to dress the wooden plane bodies with a scraper plane and set the blades with an octagon hammer.
- how to flatten and square the wood with a hand plane.
- how to lay out the pieces and cut them accurately to size, using Japanese squares and saws.
Materials
- A $40 materials fee, included in the class fee, covers all materials and use of all the tools you need.
- If you own Japanese-style tools, you are welcome to bring and use them.
Prerequisites
Class Policies
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
- You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.
- Depending on your pace, you may need to work on your box during open studio time in order to complete it by the end of the class. Use of the shop during these times is free for members. Non-members can also use the shop without an additional charge while completing a class project.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy
- View BARN's current COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Please email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org to find out more or request an accommodation.
- For those who might need physical assistance, learn more about BARN's Companion Program.
Instructors or Guides
Gary Bella
