Japanese timber frame garden gates symbolize the transition from the outside world into a peaceful, reflective space. They serve as thresholds, inviting visitors to pause and embrace the tranquility of the garden beyond. With simple, elegant designs that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, these gates emphasize harmony and balance.
Guest Instructor: Jeff Bearce
Jeff Bearce
Jeff began practicing Japanese carpentry twenty years ago at Joinery Structures and now runs 3 Sticks Design / Build where he specializes in traditional Japanese buildings. Grounded in tradition his work exhibits a character rarely seen outside of Japan. Jeff also writes extensively about the nature of work, craft and carpentry at his blog Knowing Hands.
About the Gate
During this six-day workshop, students will learn about Japanese carpentry, joinery, and timber framing while cutting and assembling the frame for a traditional Japanese gate. The design will showcase classic joinery techniques, including the post-to-ridge (munagi) connection, crafted in the style of a wanagi komi. Additionally, the rafter support to bracket (keta-to-udegi) joint will feature a simplified jaguchi hozosashi approach, enhanced with a wedged through-tenon rather than a blind joint. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of these traditional methods and their applications while contributing to the construction of this elegant structure.
About the Workshop
The best way to learn these skills is by doing them on a real project. The project provides context and answers many of the “why?” questions that arise when you cut practice joinery in isolation. A typical schedule begins with a group breakfast, a morning instruction session and demonstration. Then follows morning work, lunch, and afternoon work. We’ll end the day with a group dinner and discussion. As students complete their assigned joints they’ll be rotated to other joints, finishing or assembly. At the end of the workshop we will raise the structure and celebrate our group success.
Topics Covered
General design philosophy and layout of the Japanese gate
Review of terms and understanding of layout markings
Selection and preparation of timbers
Use of Japanese tools along with power tools to cut mortise and tenon joinery
Team assembly and raising of the structure
Process of adjusting, squaring, and fixing the structural members.
Hand plane finishing parts of the frame
Optional installation of roofing system
Included with Tuition
Meals Included - Meals are typically brought in or cooked family style. This workshop includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on each day, plus a special raising party at the end!
Plans and Models - Students will receive a copy of the shop drawings and CAD during the workshop for their own use.
Prerequisites
To gain the maximum value from this workshop, it is recommend you have some woodworking experience. Please inquire if you are a beginner so we can plan accordingly, it would be highly encouraged for you to also take the Fall Japanese Woodworking Bootcamp that directly precedes this workshop. You can save by registering for both of them as a bundle to the right.
Alternatively, if you want to super charge your hand planing skills prior to this workshop, register for the bundle that includes the Kanna Master Class with Andrew Hunter.
See our Prerequisites information for qualifying prior training.
Required Tools
This workshop encompasses a broad range of woodworking skills and techniques. The following tools should be considered a minimum to participate fully, however you should feel comfortable bringing your normal set of tools if you have experience with timber framing.
Generally, we expect all your tools to be in good working order and sharp. Time spent preparing tools during the workshop takes away from your experience using them.
Loaner tools may be available but not guaranteed. During checkout you’ll have the option to purchase tools for this workshop, additionally, your confirmation will have a link to purchase them before the workshop, subject to a cutoff date.
Sharpening supplies: 1000 Grit Water Stone, 6000 Grit Water Stone, Diamond Flattening Plate
15mm, 18mm, and/or 24mm Japanese Chisel (Chu Tataki or Tataki prefered)
Ryoba Saw 270mm or 300mm
Japanese Hammer
Sashigane / Square
Pens/Pencils
Optional Tools
Wider Chisel (30+mm)
Side Cutter Planes (Kiwa ganna)
Kanna
Nail Set
Impact Driver
Circular Saw
Chain Mortiser (The more the merrier)
Auger bits (Star-m or Wood owl) 15mm, 18mm, 20mm
Large mallet “commander”
Ladders
Tool belt
String Line
Marking Gauge
Register Below
Begin your registration process below. You’ll have the option to purchase required and optional tools for pickup at the workshop. Your confirmation email will also provide a link to purchase these tools before the workshop.
If you do not see a registration box below, refresh the page.
Please kindly review our class and workshop policies at the link below:
For events lasting more than day we offer limited guest rooms and rustic camping:
For recommended tools for this class and your woodworking career: