$50.00
In the first of this series we will journey deep into the subtleties of sharpening by hand using Japanese water stones. We will discuss and experiment the use of Nagura stone, Blue stone, 4000, 8000 and finer stones as well as trying several grades of natural finish stones from Mokuchi’s private collection.
A sharp tool is a joy, an ultra sharp blade is a delight.
Sharpening with Japanese Waterstone
Required
– 1000/6000 sharpening stone
– Each student should bring one or more dull blades. Mokuchi also provides purchasing options for edge tool or knives from Japanese suppliers.
Contact Mokuchi to purchase tools. As a Japanese tool retailer Mokuchi provides guidance on selecting tools and a student discount.
4-6 maximum
Mokuchi Studio – Brooklyn
7 – 9pm
You will gain a broad understanding of how Japanese woodworking distinguishes itself from Western approaches during this two hour talk and demonstration. The session will include an overview of traditional hand tools used in a range of work scale, from making small objects to full size timber frame building. This will be followed by a brief demonstration of the use of all basic tools: nomi (chisel), kanna (plane), nokogiri (saw) and marking tools including sashigane (square) and sumitsubo (ink line).
Everyone will be invited to pull a Japanese plane and make a thin wood shaving! A short history will be given along with key design element and aesthetic preferences. Lastly, of course, joinery will be discussed with samples to handle.
Waterstones enable you to get the sharpest edge in an efficient and clean manner. No messy oil or grinding down your tools! In this one evening session, students will learn to sharpen woodworking chisels and plane blades, as well as pocket knifes and kitchen knifes using Japanese water stones. Tool sharpening with waterstones is a fundamental part of Japanese woodworking. It is also a very useful skill if you’re maintaining any tools that benefit from the sharpest of edges. Chefs interested in the skill for knives are very welcome in this class!
Care and maintenance of sharpening stones will also be covered. Discussion will also address the differences between grits, the optimal grit sequence to get the sharpness needed for your task, and how to maintain a flat sharpening surface on your waterstone. A sharp tool is a safe tool.
This class or equivalent experience is a prerequisite for all other classes, except for Japanese Woodworking Introduction
Using a saw on a pull stroke can be awkward at first. With a little practice and guidance it becomes second nature. In this half day class we will get acquainted and make friends with the Japaneses saws. A brief overview of saws will be followed by demonstration of cross and rip cutting. Optimum body positioning and angles of cut will be discussed. You will get plenty of time to practice what was covered using your saw and ask questions to fine tune your technique.
This class is recommended before taking any of the joinery classes.
Saw horses are an essential part of a flexible woodworking practice.
In this two day class we will layout (mark out) all the joinery for a pair of saw horses suited to support a bench. Final height and dimensions will be customized to the individual for maximum comfort and efficiency while working. Joinery will be a variety of advanced mortices and tenons, including wedged and pegged. The focus will then be on cutting and assembly of one saw horse. Leaving the second one to be finished at home if needed.