Summer 2024
August 5-9

Kumiko is a delicate and sophisticated technique of assembling wooden pieces without using nails. In this five-day workshop, students will be introduced to making a Kumiko using traditional methods. The Art of Kumiko Making for cabinet doors and small tabletops will be the perfect workshop for those seeking to learn from the basics and make 45°/90° grids with Asa-Noha and Masu-Tsunagi Kumiko patterns. The class project will be done with 100% handwork.

In this five-day course each student will complete a 24” by 24” Kumiko panel. During the construction, students will focus on the following techniques:

• Mastering the handsaw technique

• Training your eye - students will be able to cut half of the 0.5mm pencil mark before the workshop is over

• Mastering the perfect layout

• Learning to cut miter folding with a handsaw

Course Outline:

Monday - Tuesday:

• Brief lecture about the history of Kumiko

• How to determine the size of the grids and patterns

• Hand-cut joinery for the main grids

• Learn to use the handsaw properly

Wednesday - Thursday:

• Hand-cutting strips and Kumiko parts using the cutting jig

• Hand-cut joinery for all parts

Friday:

• Learn to make the glue for Hanji (Mulberry wood paper)

• Applying paper to finished panel

Tools

Required:

• Bench chisels (1.5mm or 2mm and 3mm or 1/8”)

• 3” and 6” Incra T-Rule (12” or 18” is optional)

• Dozuki hand saw (The blade thickness must be 0.3mm thick or less)

• Glue pick

Recommended:

• 6” or 12” combination square

• 0.5mm mechanical pencil

• Block plane

• Divider (sharp points)

• Sliding bevel

Tool Resources (from Taeho):

• For the Dozuki saw, I prefer the Z-saw (Fine P1.0) over Gyokucho, but they both are great saws

• Z-Saw Dozuki Fine 240 P1.0 you can find it at Rockler or Amazon

• Gyokucho #371 Dozuki saw product code: D-GC-#371 at hidatool.com

• For the 1.5mm or 2mm chisels, you can order from Rockler under the Two-Cherry brand or the Japanese version from Highland Woodworking tools

Prerequisites

Open to all

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 304 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the school.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 12
Cost: $895
Materials Charge: $200