Your journey on the wonderful and endless path of Japanese woodworking begins here! Sharpening is a fundamental skill that applies to all of the craft of woodworking. To execute great work, your blade must cut keenly. Even the woodworker who chiefly uses power tools will occasionally need a razor sharp chisel. Moreover, the practice of sharpening begins the training of the body for accurate, repetitive movements which apply to both sawing and planing. In this workshop we’ll set up a Japanese chisel, sharpen it and practice cutting mortises.
“The most important thing I learned was the importance of speed. You should never rush yourself, but being able to notice your chisel’s gone dull, sharpen it, and get back to work quickly is invaluable. Letting it become a part of your workflow instead of a highly revered task is crucial.”
Topics Covered
Understanding the design and manufacture of the Japanese Chisel.
Preparation and use of water stones for sharpening.
Initial set-up of a Japanese chisel from “the box.”
Sharpening a Japanese chisel.
Understanding basic wood and grain.
Basic chopping and paring in the context of joinery.
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.
Prerequisites
None, come as you are!
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.
1000 Grit Water Stone
6000 Grit Water Stone
Diamond Flattening Plate
18-24mm Japanese Chisel (Brand new, unused, Tataki/Timber or Oire/Bench preferred)
Japanese Hammer
Optional Tools
Chisel Ring/Hoop Setter tool
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: