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Thread: Japanese Joinery

  1. #1

    Japanese Joinery

    Any suggestions on a book that covers most Japanese joinery techniques? Mostly for furniture. I ordered one from Barnes and Nobel, and if I had no woodworking experience, it would have been helpful, I guess. I did watch one video on You Tube about making a frame that had 4 joints that the worker had to make in order to pass a 'carpenter's test. I would say my favorite channel is H Carpenter who does things with minimal tools, and his work is pretty good. No speaking, his demonstrations are pretty clear without.

    robo hippy

  2. #2
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    The Art of Japanese Joinery by Kiyosi Seike.

  3. #3
    For a deep dive, check out the late Chris Hall's works. https://thecarpentryway.blog/2012/01...me-i-is-ready/

  4. #4
    Reed, along with the book Stephen mentioned, take a look here.
    https://japanwoodcraftassociation.com/resources/books/

    Also, some very good information can be found reading the Covington and Sons blog
    https://covingtonandsons.com/the-story/

  5. #5
    Well, getting closer.... If the book's biggest chapter is about tools and sharpening, that is a waste for me. I don't know everything, but I have had a wood shop for 30 years now, and don't need all the beginner stuff like which tools to get and how to sharpen them. I will find the correct book some how. The Art of Japanese Joinery says beginner to intermediate. Perhaps I am looking for a book that has several pieces of furniture in it and how to make them.

    robo hippy

  6. #6
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    Although all in Chinese, this is a good resource. Japanese joinery is derived from Chinese influences.

    The Chinese mortise and tenon joint: the classic furniture of mortise and tenon joint structure eighty-one (Set 2 Volumes)
    https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832696297182.html

    The isometric diagrams in the book give you a very good idea on how to build the joints.

  7. #7
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    Reed,
    Check out ‘Chinese Domestic Furniture’ by Gustav Ecke. Andrew Hunter spoke about this book in an interview awhile back, check out Andrews work as well. And I’ll second the suggestion to deep-dive into Chris Halls blog, his work was truly inspirational!
    Jeff

  8. #8
    Thanks, this has given me a lot of food for thought! Now to put it into practice..... and practice, and practice.... Like a couple of martial arts instructors said, "10,000 more times!" But teacher, that is what you said last time! "Well then, 10,000 more times!" I may have turned 20,000 bowls, so close to being there on that facet....

    robo hippy

  9. #9
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    I think a lot of the Japanese joinery stuff you’ll see is gonna be more about carpentry techniques. Lots of interesting scarf joints.

    When it comes to furniture I think it was/is common to use the same joinery thats been around since the Ancient Egyptians. Mortise and tenon, dovetails, pegged joints, etc.

    REALLY enjoyed this.

    Last edited by chuck van dyck; 11-25-2022 at 8:55 PM.

  10. #10
    That was nice Chuck! I did residential construction for 30+ years, but mostly concrete work. I keep thinking that some day I will do some timber framing. Probably not in this life line.... Furniture will be doable....

    robo hippy

  11. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by chuck van dyck View Post
    I think a lot of the Japanese joinery stuff you’ll see is gonna be more about carpentry techniques. Lots of interesting scarf joints.

    When it comes to furniture I think it was/is common to use the same joinery thats been around since the Ancient Egyptians. Mortise and tenon, dovetails, pegged joints, etc.

    REALLY enjoyed this.



    You will also like these, if you haven't seen them. I think the earlier videos had no narration, which I kind of prefer.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9M7XPBdjYU

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