Beginning Japanese Woodworking || Basic Tool Kit

[@DangitBobby1990]

A wise man once said, "Well, what can't you build with that?"

[@willd0g]

I'm still waiting haha

[@farzamzam]

Very refreshing to hear someone who doesn't overcomplicate life

[@american_patriot6218]

I am just starting my journey and have learned so much from your videos. thank you.

[@benjaminadair9548]

Very nice video, I'm helping a new woodworker get started in our craft. Right now he's a big box store electric tool guy. I given him a plane, 4 chisels alo g with some other hand tools i have picked up after watching this I think I will give him my Irwin ryobe saw before he heads home . As Rob Cosman says you buy a cheap tool that doesn't feel right it will gather dust. Thanks again for the video and keep them coming.

[@ericphantri96734]

Thank you for perfectly recall the memory lane

[@migo-migo9503]

Gotta second that plane! I used to think they were unnecessary but after getting one and trying it out, really changed my mind.

[@jasonmashburn1280]

I bought my plane, and chisels from Japan of esty they are all from the 70s or 80s. I love them

[@gazgough9264]

its sooo good to see one of these videos not saying you need to spend £500 on a set of chisels etc etc looking forward to seeing some more projects

[@Lemongrasspicker]

GG Woodwork glad you enjoyed it. Several projects in the works coming soon.

[@mywobblyhands716]

looking to start on japanese woodwork and this guide is definitely helpful :) hopefully you'll do some beginner project tutorials as well. It's hard to find a good beginner tutorial for japanese woodworking

[@MilciadesAndrion]

Woodworking may be funny if we have adequate tools and passion. Japanese woodworking is one of the best in the world.

[@63DegreesNorth]

Can't help but think of AvE every time I watch your vid-jay-ohs. Good on ya.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

AvE is the man!

[@alexchiperi]

same here!

[@donaldmcdaniel1773]

A nice basic set for any kind of woodworking

[@triune_blades]

One thing I think you should've added to the list is a hand drill of some type with auger bits. It'd make mortise and tenons especially a lot easier to accomplish because you wouldn't need to remove so much material with chisels then. Awesome video!

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Good point! Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@barryfullick7981]

Maybe consider replacing your small chisel with a 1/2" mortise chisel? And certainly add a brace and 1/4, 1/2 and 1" augers. Not only for the obvious ease of hogging out the waste, but many of us live in apartments where the sound of a chisel hammer will not be welcomed by the neighbours. especially in the evenings. Also your commander in chief, (the boss lady) will not be giving you heavy grief for keeping babies and young children from their sleep. Great video buddy, and a great approach to the essentials. Thanx for taking the trouble to make and post it. It is inspirational and confident in its simplicity and the wisdom of its content.

[@studioliveedge]

Your content is absolutely fantastic, would love to see some more vids from you.

[@jared_biz]

Love this video. I've been looking for a solid list of essential tools to start with, especially in a small apartment. I'm curious though which kind of plane to get? Looking at the sites in the description I see scraper, block, smoothing. As an absolute newbie I don't know the difference. Happy I found this channel!

[@rodavlasdtgeirke387]

Ever find out?

[@jared_biz]

@@rodavlasdtgeirke387 Ah unfortunately no; I stilll don't have a plane. I bought a small set of chisels and a ryoba hand saw. Still haven't had much success with projects though. It's tough having no dedicated place to work, really!

[@rodavlasdtgeirke387]

@@jared_biz That's rough, but keep at at if you're still interested! Try your hand at smaller projects just to get some hands on experience here and there. I wish you the best.

[@HeroOfTime303]

Welcome back...I see you're uploading again!

[@josephlaviolette146]

Good list and good advice. The only thing you didn't mention that I wouldn't personally want to be without is a marking knife of some sort. Even a cheap box cutter will work if need be.

[@MisterVikter]

Joseph Laviolette +1 to a marking knife of some description

[@Aubreykun]

Most people have a simple knife but even if you somehow don't have one, using a chisel sideways will work.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Gah, you're absolutely right. A good marking knife is a great piece of kit for a minimal toolbox. I'll have to mention that in a future video.

[@piworower]

you can make a marking knife with those tools

[@lucycabana9970]

Many adjustable squares have a marking tool built in.

[@ziopoe]

I love your minimalist approach on woodworking, i wish i could partecipate to your challange but i'll be away untill april 20 and i'll never have enough time to make any projects, too bad because beside the plane i only miss some nice chisels to complete your japanese tool kit.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Thanks for watching. No worries on the challenge, just keep learning.

[@boozoochavis7506]

The one thing I have discovered about woodworking, especially with hand tools is that we are really only limited by our imaginations. The main problem is we cannot buy skills or common sense, which is really what fuels our ability to expand our imaginations beyond a certain limit. Thanks for posting this video - it gave me a lot more to think about concerning japanese planes and chisels.

[@calebwiggins3042]

I hit the subscribe as soon as you showed that hedge handle you made! Just want to know how many times you sharpened your tools making it!

[@VoodooViking]

Simplicity is key. Better a to be proficient in a few tools or cooking only a few dishes than to be mediocre at best with dozens of tools and dishes.

[@Michael-Nic]

This really depends on what kind of work you want to do but good advice. I do a lot of Kumiko after seeing it o U tube channels. I'm no expert but love the patterns and patterns vary from easy and complicated.

[@KellyVisionPictures]

@Lemongrasspicker ... What you said about the plane makes sense to me. What price range do you have in mind when you say that? I'm planning to make a purchase and I'm just beginning to learn about them.

[@D4NC3Rable]

Thank you!! this was extremely helpful.

[@sergeantcrow]

Just found these on eBay..... Outside my budget ! Japanese Ebony ICHIHIRO Oiire Nomi - 6000 dollars.... Classy.. !

[@dreamsideout7831]

Good vid. Thanks for the list of basics.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Thanks for watching sir

[@rodavlasdtgeirke387]

Great informative video. Thank you very much!

[@nonstopgorgon5824]

Keep up the good work. Love your vids man.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Thanks sir

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very good! Thank you, how much did the Japanese plane cost? Thanks again.

[@gaylanbishop1641]

Great closing comments

[@TomBuskey]

My chisel mallet head is a chunk of a branch from osage orange.

[@imortaldeadead]

Good list of tools to start with, thank you for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mouseyboy427]

This video was extremely helpful and informative! Please make more! My only question is as follows: are there any really good places that you'd recommend for acquiring these tools?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

If you look in the description box there's links to several good tool shops. Thanks for watching

[@Kikilang60]

I bought a combination Square. The numbers were printed on.The numbers wore off the first day I used it.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

See if you can find an older Starrett combination square. Majority of the vintage ones have stamped measurements that won't rub off.

[@rseabrease]

Outstanding video. Thank you.

[@jayejaycurry5485]

No pencil for me - a fine point Sharpie. But I agree with everything else you said.

[@PEDRORUGELES]

Hello good explanation, I would like to know where to get these Japanese tools

[@SoloRider831]

I note on Japanese planes there are several types. Is there a specific type/name that we should look for that is the equivalent of, I am guessing, a western block plane? Just asking to see if there is a bit more specific kanna to look for. Great video and great information. Thanks.

[@conkshell9445]

P.S. Got an "unsafe site" warning on the "tools from japan" link above..

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Thanks for the heads up. I think it might be an older domain or something. If it's out of date I'll replace it with another shop.

[@sethkazarians402]

Great video. I'd also stress getting a good try square and combination square. If you get a cheap one that's not square, there's really nothing you can do to correct that.

[@gunzrfun]

Have used this setup for a little while now to get the first few projects under my belt (got a basic sawhorse/planing board set up now), but am finding having one plane to be quite limiting, especially when it comes to repurposing found wood into square, workable pieces. My question to you, does it make sense to buy a second smoothing plane so I can turn my (slightly cheaper) plane into a cambered blade for flattening large surfaces/ removing finish more effectively? Thanks, appreciate all the work you put out. Always a useful reference point when starting new projects!

[@Lemongrasspicker]

That is absolutely a good idea. Having 1 plane to start with simply gives you a point of reference for all your other tools you will undoubtedly collect and use over the years.

[@sfurtado3]

Thank you for this content

[@american_patriot6218]

Great video!!

[@bbrachman]

Informative video. I have questions about your hammer with the Osage Orange handle. You mentioned you cut a branch. DId you wait until it dried out before shaping and attaching the handle? (I have heard of others waiting years for cut wood to dry) I noticed that when you set the hammer down, the curve in the handle and the flat hammer head keeps it upright. Almost ready for you to grab without looking at it. Was this intentional? If so. Very clever. If not, very lucky. (The wise man told me to say that)

[@Lemongrasspicker]

For this one I let it dry for a few months before I cut. Typically a Japanese hammer has a slight curve to the handle, this helps you hit square on the hammer head as well as the chisel. It makes you more efficient. The curve was intentionally used this way. The branch had a natural curve to it that worked perfectly for this hammer head. The curve makes a huge difference when you're working for long periods of time. Osage has a nice "flex" to it, absorbs alot of the shock and transfers it well.

[@18roselover]

You can make a japanese style mallet from a 2in round osage and w.oak handle with shop scraps ,if on a budget

[@bert3393]

Where did you buy the wetstones and the plate you use?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Amazon

[@yoho1021]

What is a good book for beginning in woodwork in Japanese style

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Japanese woodworking tools by Toshio Odate

[@woodywood1951]

respect your tools....

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Yes

[@thebigredwagon]

I’m after a bit of advice. Do you put a micro bevel on your plane blade?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

It depends. If the blade is a little chippy then I'll increase the angle. If it's not chippy then I'll bring it down. A micro bevel really isn't going to hurt anything provided you have a good angle on it. Personally I've never measured any angle or bevel on any plane. I just adjust the sharpening accordingly depending on how it performs

[@thebigredwagon]

@@Lemongrasspicker do you have a preferred angle? I sharpened mine a 30 degrees with a 25 degree micro bevel but I’m not getting the results I want.

[@jorgenlannock]

nice explenation, my friend!

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Thanks sir

[@RaabStephan]

Any recommendations regarding sharpening and diamond stones?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Yes. I like the Sharpton water stones for everything. Diamond stones are fine too. I just wouldn't advise any power sharpening stuff like a grinder or you can risk drawing the temper off the steel if you're not careful

[@RaabStephan]

@@Lemongrasspicker Yes indeed, those look like a good value. For diamond stone, did you go with Dia-Sharp or Trend by chance?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

@@RaabStephan I went with the dia sharp ones. Lately what I've been using is some adhesive sandpaper on a flat beam or a flat piece of wood to level the stones. The sandpaper won't suction cup itself to the stone as easily as the diamond stone will. Usually around 400 grit or so is fine if you wanted to try it for yourself.

[@RaabStephan]

@@Lemongrasspicker This is perfect! I'll start with a 1000 grit stone, some sandpaper to level things out, and a strop to get the polish.

[@evgmerc]

hi, which diamond plate do you recommend?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Dia-sharp diamond stones are nice.

[@michaelheuermann6191]

Great. Thank you and an extra thank you for dispensing with the long winded waffle that often accompanies this type of posting.

[@adamunderwood3337]

you should do a video on kanna set up.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Thought about it. Decided against it. Thanks for the suggestion though

[@arturhakobyan6850]

Hello, nice tools! How much a good 70mm blade hira kanna costs? Is the one for 200 euro is good enough?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Artur Hakobyan that's a decent price range, as long you buy from from a good source like suzukitool. com you should be in good shape

[@arturhakobyan6850]

Thanks!!!

[@wickedwoodgaming1486]

I gotta say. I like japanese tools and woodworking philosophy. But I'm sick of people making it out like only the japanese used joinery. But western woodworkers made some of the nicest joinery. And theres a reason veritas makes bedrock style planes. As opposed to wooden ones.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Absolutely. I agree with you, I'm annoyed at the fact that everyone acts like if you make Japanese anything it has to be done with a zen-like approach. When in reality if you talk to any working Japanese carpenter they are just as practical as any westerner. There are exceptions but there are also exceptions in western woodworking too. Thanks for your thoughts on the matter.

[@amyholderness8142]

How much would you recommend to spend on a plane?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

It has been a while since I've shopped around. But the majority of the good to very good ones run anywhere 200-1600$ so I'd say for a beginner one 250-350$ would be a good starting place.

[@jettkeyser9909]

Thank you for this...I am always a little unclear when approaching buying Japanese saws as to what represents quality...It is not always clear when simply seeing the saws on a site or in a catalogue...That said...the larger saw is working fine as is the dozuki...

[@Lemongrasspicker]

A wise man once told me that you always get what you pay for, even in Japan. If you're not sure I can always say that the Gyokucho saws are worth the time and money, they are affordable compared to other tools, and they work well. NIce work on using your larger saw.

[@thewobblyninja]

choosing my first kanna is overwhelming. so many types, so many names. any suggestion on what's a good one to start with? I can do up to $200 if it will last a long time

[@Lemongrasspicker]

It is a bit overwhelming. What I always recommend is to contact a shop like Hida Tool and ask what they recommend. They usually know them best since they are right there. Definitely avoid any of the cheap ones on Amazon as they are not that good and take a huge amount of work to make them function well.

[@thewobblyninja]

@@Lemongrasspicker will try and contact them, what you're suggesting in the video is one, all around, smoothing plane (at hida tools, hira plane), yes?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

@@thewobblyninja yes to start off its good to just have the one. Maybe 48-55mm in width. 70mm ones can come later after you've gotten the hang of adjusting them

[@IvanGOrtolan]

all good apart from "get a pencil", I would say get a marking knife

[@briancleary6751]

This may be moot because I don't know Japanese woodworking, but what about clamps, vices, planing stops, etc?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

That's entirely preferential honestly. There is no real perfect solution to any of the things you mention so it's up to the individual carpenter to use what he has available. So if you have a vise, use it, if you have 10 clamps use 10 clamps etc...

[@briancleary6751]

@@Lemongrasspicker But for a beginner putting together a kit like this from scratch, what would you recommend?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

I'd say a bench vise is a great place to start if you want to do both Japanese and western style work. The vise will help in just about every situation. And 5 12" clamps is a good place to start too. With that in your setup you can make just about anything you'd need to get started

[@OOAK-Ireland]

so where is the adjustment of the plane?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

You'd use the hammer to adjust the plane

[@TheMadDrizzle]

You mention spending good money on a japanese plane. Any chance you can provide a good brand or brands to look for?

[@MisterVikter]

TheMadDrizzle Tsunesaburo range as a start

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Some good makers you should seek out, their planes can be found for a good price if you hunt around. Seisuke Mizuno, Fusaichi Yamaguchi, Shogo Tanaka, those three are surefire high quality and you can't go wrong. Check out suzukitool.com for a good number of high quality makers.

[@ryanbealer4280]

Only thing missing here would be a single marking gauge and a mortise marking gauge

[@carlcooper3525]

How much is a good plane going to cost?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Usually in the 200-300 range is what you can expect to pay for a good one. The old adage of "you get what you pay for" definitely applies.

[@carlcooper3525]

How do you spell Damarion hammer?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Daruma hammer?

[@ericphantri96734]

That are like $5000- $ 10,000 already. If I kept all of my father tools could be the richest Craftman by now

[@jgarno100]

Where do you buy all these?

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Check the description box. I have links there

[@Kikilang60]

Thanks.

[@wmcrash]

meh @ samurai carpenter.

[@leonruvalcaba1549]

Whos that?

[@Oculus729]

"'Tis a poor carpenter who blames his tools."