Japanese woodworking is a technique that involves building wooden furniture without the use of nails, screws or glue. It was first introduced to Japan in the 12th century through Chinese architectural influences. As the practice of Japanese carpentry grew, it eventually evolved into a more modern form of woodworking that uses electric tools.
Tsugite software
Tsugite is an interactive system for designing and manufacturing wood joints. It is a simple, yet powerful tool that lets anyone make their own functional wooden structures in no time.
The Tsugite system allows users to select from a large selection of pre-calculated joints and designs. However, they also have the ability to create their own custom joints. A 3-axis CNC milling machine is used to produce the final designs.
One of the coolest features of the Tsugite software is the “gallery mode.” In this mode, users can view pre-calculated joints.
Moreover, the system offers a gallery of real-time graphical feedback, so users can see what their joints look like in a more tangible way. This helps them avoid making any mistakes.
Hiroshi Sakaguchi-san
Hiroshi Sakaguchi is a Japanese woodworker who has spent 47 years crafting wood. He was trained as an apprentice at the age of 15 in a traditional Japanese joinery craft. After a few years, he traveled to Canada, where he continued his woodworking studies. Then, he moved back home in Japan.
His skills have been featured in many TV shows and in magazines. His work has been exhibited in Europe and the United States.
Although he works in California, Sakaguchi has a long family history of Japanese woodworking. His father was a sawyer and specialist in culling fine woods. He also had a knack for joining two planks together perfectly.
Shiho kama tsugi
The Japanese art of joinery is a centuries-old tradition of creating elegantly crafted wooden structures. Japanese temples, for example, are built with intricate carved joints called shiho kama tsugi. This joint is often a work of art and will last for hundreds of years.
There are several types of Japanese joinery, each with its own unique characteristics. One of the most well-known is the dovetail design. These joints are effective for small projects. However, they are prone to failure on corners.
Another popular joint is shiho kama tsugi. It is a four-faced gooseneck joint that is used in temples throughout Japan. Using the technique, carpenters can join two pieces of timber that are both thick and narrow.
Tama-hagane steel
Tama-hagane, also known as Japanese “jewel steel” or Yu-Gang, is a special type of steel used in making swords and cutting tools. It is a difficult material to work. Because of its characteristics, it is only used by a small number of registered blacksmiths in Japan.
Tama-hagane steel is created from a variety of materials. Ironsand is the raw ingredient, which is mined in Shimane, Japan. This is a coarse, black material with trace amounts of titanium and vanadium.
In order to make tamahagane steel, the mixture of ironsand and coal is placed in a special furnace, the Tatara. The mixture is heated to 1800 deg F. and mixed frequently.
Tsugite technique
Japanese woodworking using the Tsugite technique has been used for centuries in traditional structures. It requires a level of skill and precision to produce intricate joints. Woodworking techniques are also complex, requiring extensive knowledge about the properties of lumber.
To make a good joint, Japanese carpenters must learn to identify the features of the lumber and read them to determine the use for each piece. They are also required to cut the wood to precise measurements. Moreover, their skills depend on the growth conditions of the trees.
Japanese architects and builders have long mastered the art of joinery. For example, tsugite joints were first created in the 12th century and are still used in contemporary designs. The joints are made without the use of nails or metal supports.
Japanese red pine
Japanese red pine is one of the most common varieties of Pinus densiflora in the United States. It is native to Korea, Russia, and China. This species can grow to over 50 feet tall in the landscape. The reddish orange bark of this tree is a beautiful feature against snowy backdrops.
The timber of this tree is strong, lightweight, and weather-resistant. Because of its durability, it is commonly used for furniture, plywood, carvings, boxes, and other decorative purposes. In addition to its attractive color, this wood is also resistant to water and decay.
Unlike most pine species, the needles of the Japanese Red Pine are not green. Instead, they are yellowish-green. They are usually between four and eight inches long. These needles are in pairs and whorl around the branches. Their texture is soft and pleasant.
