As you continue to hone your skills with the Japanese hand plane, eventually you will wear out the dai that holds the blade and be forced to fabricate and fit a new one. Cutting a dai is an invaluable skill and will drastically improve your plane shavings as you’ll be able to fine tune every aspect of blade fit and position. Learn from master carpenter and blacksmith Jim Blauvelt how to layout and cut a dai for a Japanese plane as well as tuning and adjustment techniques to take your planing to the next level.
Guest Instructor: Jim Blauvelt
Jim Blauvelt @jimblauvelt
Jim began his career in woodworking in 1982 studying under Robert Meadow before delving into to traditional handwork under Toshihiro Sahara from 1986 to 1990. Jim also apprenticed with Makoto Imai working on Japanese timber frame structures. Also an avid blacksmith and tool maker, Jim offers a wealth of knowledge across many disciplines.
Topics Covered
Selecting dai material, grain direction and considerations.
Layout and cutting of a dai to a blade set.
Tuning considerations for super thin shavings.
Advanced blade adjustments and tapping out.
Practice planing wide boards and casual planing competition
Included with Tuition
Meals Included - This two day workshop includes catered Lunch and Dinner on the first day, and Breakfast and Lunch on the second day.
Practice Dai - Students will be provided with pre-milled (non-kashi) dai blocks for practice of the layout and cutting techniques.
Prerequisites
Our Introduction and Setup of the Japanese Hand Plane workshop is a prerequisite for this experience. See our Prerequisites information for qualifying prior training.
Required Tools
The following tools are required to get the most out of your experience. A loner may be available but not guaranteed. A curated kit of premium Japanese tools will be available for purchase at checkout.
Your sharpening and basic kanna adjustment supplies
3mm Chisel (Oire Nomi)
6mm Chisel (Oire Nomi)
20mm or larger Chisel
300mm Sashigane / Square
Small Dai Saw
24mm Japanese Chisel (Brand new, unused, Tataki/Timber or Oire/Bench preferred)
Japanese Hammer
Optional Tools
Uncut, new kashi dai blank
Your unfitted blade set 48-70mm
Crane Neck Chisel
Slick (Usu Nomi)
Register Below
Begin your registration process below. You’ll have the option to purchased curated tools during checkout.
Attendance limited to 6 students.
Please kindly review our class and workshop policies at the link below:
For events lasting more than day we offer rustic camping on the property:
For recommended tools for this class and your woodworking career: