NO ONE HAS EVER TRIED THIS!! Bent Kumiko Chandelier

All of the kumiko projects i've ever seen have all featured flat panels so I was curious if it's possible to bend kumiko? Turns out that is works! There were certainly challenges along the way but the results are worth it. Here's the worlds first round kumiko lamp!
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KUMIKO STARTER KIT:
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[@teacher_of_the_arcane5399]

Extraordinary build !!! I've never seen any curved kumiko pieces, anytime, anywhere ! Ever consider using contrasting wood for some of your original infill ... might cure your lost patterns?

[@JTWoodworks]

Curved kumiko has never been done before and I'll definitely be making more of it in the future! Contrasting wood for the infill is a great way to make patterns more distinct. I've done it in the past when I made my desk. Now that I know curved kumiko works, I has so many ideas I want to try!!

[@kennethcarruth7852]

Their are no words that can adequately describe this Beautiful work of Art! As others have stated, I also in my twenty plus years of building High end Furniture have never seen curved Kumiko . You sir have just inspired a whole lot of people with your creativity, I get goose bumps just thinking about the possibilities ….that sounds silly but I’m just blown away, Well Done Sir!!!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so, so much!! Your kind words are truly heartwarming. And that doesn't sound silly at all! I'm in that same boat haha. I have so many ideas on where to take it. Thank you again for the encouragement, I really appreciate it!!

[@genebarfield6688]

Okay, now you've really done it. I take it from the number, variety and quality of your video presentations that you have feelings as strong about imparting skills and educating others as you do about the work you do. I can't think of anything more deserving of our commendation and gratitude. I've watched a bunch of such videos over the past month, awakening a latent interest I had in kumiko for a while. My background supports me, since I trace my love of woodworking and my respect for tools and workmanship to my grandfather (who was born on the island of Nisyros in the Aegean), and my father. Dad was Pop's son-in-law, but Pop succeeded in motivating his son-in-law to pursue a rewarding career as a custom cabinet builder. I cherish the memory of spending time with them as they worked. That background served me well when I later served as a machinist's mate in the engineroom of a nuclear-powered sub. Working there, attention to detail, patience to do a job correctly the first time, and high standards were the norm. We kept all the potential dangers at bay, because although we had some wonderful times together, we took our work with the seriousness and care it demanded. Segue a few decades on and I'm now retired on a small farm with my spouse. When we built our barn 25 years ago I put in a good wood shop. I could write for hours about how rewarding that decision has been. Your videos, and the work of yours I've seen here and on your website, do more than impress me with the beauty and craftsmanship involved. It made me feel I could learn kumiko, accepting and embracing the challenges involved, mindful of how wonderful it is to be an old man who still looks forward to doing something new. I owe you a debt I'm happy to carry, for making tomorrow something to look forward to so very much. When you're 71, that means a lot. Not every artisan is willing, not to say eager, to share their skills and techniques. It takes a generous heart and mind to do that. Having watched so many kumiko videos so far, yours are the best, hands down. Bending kumiko - wow. I haven't seen any other among the hundreds of videos I've watched, where an artisan dares to try this. Your courage, considering the work and huge risks involved, and your enthusiasm are an example and an inspiration. I watched this and thought, okay, I'm just a beginner, but with practice I could eventually do this too. Maybe not tomorrow or next week, but with practice, and the example you set to emulate, some day not so far off as to scare me away. I'll stop writing now, so I can head to my shop and get started. But not before I say thanks again, as I will be doing for a long time to come. Bravo, Maestro! Efcharistó!

[@kyorising]

not that it matters, but the glue pop happens right up against your jacket, somewhere on that line, you can see it release tension very slightly as it pops. Absolutely incredible project, love it.

[@shoosty]

If you put this kind of love and patience into everything in your life, you can't help but be satisfied.

[@ericjohn3664]

Stunning build, JT! incredible patience and precision. Thanks for sharing.

[@drzeus9449]

I had to hold my breath whilst you bent it. Absolutely jaw-droppingly beautiful!

[@JTWoodworks]

I was doing the same haha. Thank you!!

[@JP-mq7pg]

This build was well worth the wait from all the teasers you released. Outstanding...the choice you made at the beginning to rearange the pattern was wise as both patterns now blend as well as stand on their own. Fantastic accomplishment🙏

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yea, I'm so glad I rearranged the pattern. Appreciate you following the process :)

Lograste dominar al círculo. Hermoso trabajo !!!

[@Alyathaean]

It looks amazing. May I suggest first adding the double-sided tape and putting the paper on and then cutting it? Way less stressful to get it lined up again. Also I used the tape on a lamp my grandparents owned. It got loose after some time.

[@talalaltmimi]

Great job, well done

[@jonwills1957]

DUDE!!!! You knocked it out of the park with this one! This should break the internet!

[@JTWoodworks]

Haha thanks Jon!! I hope it does!

[@philiprowe4888]

Stunning! Just stunning!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!

[@abad_gtr1123]

absolutely stunning piece! very inspirational...glad YT brought me here.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@bobflores]

Beautiful and one of a kind piece. Kinda opens up the possibilities. Thanks for the video.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you!! Oh definitely. I have some ideas in mind 🤔

[@Amr-Ibrahim-AI]

This was so rewarding to watch. Awesome idea and execution. Thanks for sharing

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@dspettit]

Absolutely stunning!!! Well done..... well presented. Thank you for sharing your talent and work with us. Can't wait to see what you make next.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! I appreciate the kind words. There are more projects to come!!

[@JT-hw6mq]

awesome work

[@loveinksk]

Congratulations Johnny !! This is truly a masterpiece! So gentle and airy! Wow, the craftsmanship, 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 breathtaking work!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it :)

[@crashkg]

Beautiful build! Thanks!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!

[@wolflahti412]

Impressive dedication

[@user-ce7on9ts9t]

Splendid !

[@Hiksan5]

Just came back to this project. Still stands out as a lovely design, brave construction challenge and great video. Wow!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! 😊

[@klceve]

Its beautiful. Love it!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!

[@davebauerart]

Beautiful work. That’s for sharing the process of experimentation.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks for watching bud! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@ko-z-mint]

This came out absolutely AMAZING! I'm so impressed with how this looks and how much hard work went into this - great job!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you so much!! A lot definitely went into it but it was worth it

[@ronb218]

I’m blown away!! Beautiful!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!!

[@ricjamil3073]

It is fabulous! You have the patience of a saint to do this project. It is timeless and one of a kind.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you so much!! It was well worth the work

[@brianshire8351]

I have always been a little on the fence about kumiko design but this is amazing. Well done

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! I appreciate that

[@CB100001]

Wow, this is incredible. Very inspiring

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! Glad you got something out of it

[@BrianHolcombewoodworker]

This is awesome, well done!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Brian!

[@dennisstilger4655]

Breathtaking work!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you so much!!

[@Michael-Nic]

Japanese artisans started kumiko I'm the eught century. In comparison western caroenters joiners are light years behind on how to cut and produce. Australian Desmond king has studied and served his time in Japan. He is in u tube also published books on starting yo advanced patterns with kumiko.

[@stuffsethmakes]

very very cool build. i'd love to give kumiko a try soon!

[@JTWoodworks]

I sell kumiko starter kits if you're interested. They're link in the description

[@TreowsWoodworking]

Appreciate the hard work. The smile of success is always a great payoff.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! It was so rewarding

[@syedahmed1152]

Wow! Amazing...

[@captsanjayrao]

Fantastic and skilled work Mr. Tromboukis. Thank you for sharing.

[@JTWoodworks]

I appreciate that! Glad you enjoyed it

[@bendaniel6245]

Absolutely masterful- can’t adequately describe how impressive this is, right up there with the kumiko canoe

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you so much!! That canoe was such a cool project I'm honored you placed this under the same light

[@Gaylarenee]

That is gorgeous.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you 😊

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Absolutely amazing man!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Ethan!! I appreciate it 😊

[@kiplininman7383]

Awesome Dude! I loved it.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!

[@richs5422]

Outstanding! Kerf bending is the smart way to do this. I did it the stupid way: vertical bars stay the same, horizontal bars become rings. This isn't so bad (I used a CNC to make the rings), but diagonal infill pieces need a twist! I was working with a much smaller diameter (about 4"), so the curvature is much greater/tighter. Got through it by boiling the wood and clamping in a jig, but your technique is much better. Starting in now on a spherical kumiko - no straight pieces anywhere. It works in CAD, we'll see...

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!! It would be much more difficult with a square grid only because of the infill. And a 4" diameter is tiny!! I'm glad this video helped and gave you some ideas. I've been thinking about spherical kumiko too. I think it's possible but it won't be easy

[@kingrat5564]

Great work!!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@steven_xigxog]

Just phenomenal work! Woodworking elevated to art. As others have commented or alluded - I was terrified when you did the bend. I also enjoyed the design change (much cleaner). So glad it worked out!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@alanschmanke8429]

Great job man! You took the risk and it paid off handsomely. You can proud of this work for years to come!

[@JTWoodworks]

I appreciate that! It was worth the risk for sure

[@NikolayShorygin]

this is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@tomim7187]

That is incredible, Johnny! That would easily sell for crazy money! Super build!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm thinking about offering them for sale

[@franciscmoldovan1981]

Well done, amaising!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!

[@Njao6q4vrv73]

Impressive!

[@LCMSRJ]

I have no words to describe this wonderful work of art. Simply amazing work! Every care in detail is something from another planet. Thanks so much for sharing this masterpiece with us. A big hug from here in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil Peace, health, success, wisdom and blessings to you and your family.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you very much!! I appreciate the kind words

[@Raukmeister]

Inspiring craftmanship!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! glad you enjoyed it

[@ilvisionariowood]

This bent kumiko chandelier Video, but even more you creator, definetly deserve much more credit for your time, effort and creation from youtube....

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you 😊 feel free to share

[@m.d.d.3051]

Dude ... really love your work. I also enjoyed watching your body language and facial expressions as you go through each step. You don't have to tell me about the tension/stress in these steps as you go through something I'm not aware of anyone else having done. Then, the relief on your face and the release of tension in your body language as you realize it's all going to work. Great illustration in real life of the creative process and execution. Well done. Beautiful chandelier.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it. There was definitely a release of stress once I realized it'll work haha. I'm glad it all worked out perfectly

[@MadeByMarylou]

Beyond amazing!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you Marylou!! 😊

[@jwpark74]

Wow, that's amazing work Johnny, got another subscriber

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@tomhoworth9768]

This is crazy good work my friend! I love everything about it. Your music in the video was so relaxing that I wanted to meditate. 🙂(Oh, and I saw my sticker too! Bonus points.)

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks Tom!! I'm glad you found it relaxing. That was my goal. That sticker has been there for quite a while haha

[@theclosetcarpenter7172]

I'm watching this video, and the more I watch, the more I think. This is insane! Just needing to know all those pieces and angles is too much

[@JTWoodworks]

There's definitely a lot that went into making this but it was all worth it

[@flanaganski]

Wow man, that’s a whole lotta trust you put into that piece just to get it to the point of no return but what a fantastic finale. Bravo!

[@JTWoodworks]

It was absolutely worth it

[@chrysostomostromboukis1184]

Fantastic job 👏

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you very much!

[@petehafner1659]

Curved Kumiko who would have thunk! This will definitely be added to my to do list. Very nicly done!

[@JTWoodworks]

Glad you liked it. Let me know if you try it. I'd love to see what you make

[@richardbelisle8541]

incredible!

[@cecillasiter3260]

Very nice!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!

[@your2nd]

You really went around the bend on that one.

[@29lookingood]

It's beautiful👍🏾🇬🇧💙

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!

[@albertalting1]

he actually did it!!! the absolute madman!!!!! ❤

[@JTWoodworks]

Hahaha got to switch things up every now and then

[@suntzu6122]

Damn that fitment of the circle coming together must have felt great. How do you even figure out the math of how big to make the circle? You must be a math wizard too lol

[@JTWoodworks]

I got pretty lucky with that. I did a bit of math to try to figure it out but I ended up estimating really close to actual diameter

[@Jayxoxo21]

Seriously incredible. Would you consider putting out plans for this lamp? 👀

[@JTWoodworks]

I don't plan on it but I did learn a lot on this project and I might make something a bit simpler with plans in the future

[@jeffforbes3772]

Beautiful

[@JTWoodworks]

Appreciate it Jeff!!

[@dolliemainor1156]

Beautiful 😍

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!!

[@peterjoseph8974]

Phenomenal work. After you rip the kumiko parts and cut the dados, id pass them through a drum sander though.

[@JTWoodworks]

That would be a nice touch but I don't have a drum sander. You can also hand plane the strips which leave an even cleaner finish but I seem to get a nice finish right off the saw as long as the blade is sharp and clean

[@MrHoaLuu]

Very nice

[@JTWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@karameht]

Unbelivebil ❤❤❤😮😮😮

[@tomleurquin9320]

Top notch project! I've added it to my list. Need to build your sled first and do some practice with the diamond patterns. Question: How did you join the two ends together to complete the circle?

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks!! I glued the ends with CA glue but the circles do a really good job holding everything in place by themselves

[@mobilfone2234]

why must alway be someone ahead with an idea 😮 well done! watching the bending was nerve-wrecking, I would have died after that crack 😂

[@JTWoodworks]

Haha thank you. It definitely was nerve wracking

[@egbluesuede1220]

Wow.....

[@tntcox100]

Simple beautiful Johnny. I have nothing else.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you Todd. I appreciate it!! 😊

[@dietrichnsons]

Ok, so when I started watching this I was like “oh, that will be cool and quite a challenge to bend kumiko” …. But then to see it as this finished project and am blown away! Awesome project. Also, I am completely resigned to the fact that I will never achieve this level of meticulousness in my life😅

[@JTWoodworks]

Haha thanks Justin!! It was quite a process but definitely worth it in the end. Kumiko can be a meditative process. You might end up enjoying it

[@andreseguin5583]

Excuse my French but you have balls bending Kumiko. Amazing result. I’ll stick to my Soji-Kumiko lamp for now. You are a master my friend

[@JTWoodworks]

Hahaha thank you!! I just had to try it out and I'm glad that it worked. I'll be bending more kumiko in the future for sure

[@suzisaintjames]

7:57 fun fact: many basket weavers use water in spray bottles to keep their wood damp after the initial soak. This is a lot easier than towels. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@alessandrosuppini943]

Really beautiful, amazing that the kumiko pattern held together through the bending, what type if glue did you use for the kumiko?

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you!! I used just regular wood glue.

[@rumeunner3245]

9:30 the colluseum 😅

[@suzisaintjames]

3:56 instead of holding down the piece of wood with your thumb... what if you added a clamp to the jig? If you had significant hold down pressure, could you pare more than one piece of wood at a time with the chisel? 💖🌞🌵😷

[@JTWoodworks]

You definitely can add a clamp but it's so much quicker without one

[@suzisaintjames]

@@JTWoodworks , I was worried cause at 3:56 you said your hands were hurting and I already have a bit of arthritis in my thumbs. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@wernerpfeifer]

Grandios !!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!!

[@normg2242]

13:50 ... you must have a Go Pro...! They are notorious for that. Absolutely fantastic work, very satisfying to watch!

[@JTWoodworks]

Haha it wasn't a GoPro. A regular camera and I either ran out of battery or SD card space. I don't remember which one it was

[@normg2242]

@@JTWoodworks oh okay ... lol

[@viaJustin1910]

I am not sure if you are familiar with this person or not, however I think Murayama Shinichi was one of the first people to develop a technique for doing kumiko in 3d. I am not sure how his technique may vary from your own but you might be interested to do some more research into this individual.

[@JTWoodworks]

I am familiar with them. I saw a video on it once and it seems like they're made in vertical segments with angled sides, glued together to form a cylinder, and then sanded to be round. A similar process to making a segmented vase or frame. I did a lot of research before this project and it doesn't seem like anyone has actually bent kumiko before

[@viaJustin1910]

@@JTWoodworks okay yeah I can see that it is two completely different processes now. Like I said I wasn't sure what technique he actually used to create his, I just knew he was making it in 3D.

[@dorcom]

Absolutely wonderful workmanship! Frank Lloyd Wright would have loved it too!...

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you 😊

[@sportsman1824]

Maybe try building you kumiko around a round form? Grat work and great video.

[@JTWoodworks]

Now that I know it's possible, I have a few new ideas. I might try your form idea on a future project

[@Finewoodworkingofsc]

Incredible build! I love everything about this Kumiko lamp. Art work, really. Can you provide a link for the decorative paper that you used. I never could catch the name of it. I would really like to try this someday. Congratulations, well done!!

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! I get the paper from eshoji.com They have a lot of different patterns and types of paper for different applications

[@Finewoodworkingofsc]

@@JTWoodworks Thanks so much for your rapid response. I'm currently watching your recipe card box video. Love your videos!

[@moudavis5830]

a hand held steamer might help. Awesome work.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks! I might try a steam box in the future

[@joshmrochuk1201]

Thats amazing shoji paper! Where did you find it?

[@JTWoodworks]

It's from eshoji.com They have a good variety of papers and patterns

[@danielbergmann8595]

Mega, I got goosebumps when I saw your finished project. I would love to do a Kumiko training with you. Best regards from Daniel from Oberhausen

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! I really appreciate that! I actually have a downloadable kumiko course if you're interested. It's linked in the description

[@danielbergmann8595]

@@JTWoodworks Thank you very much, is it possible for you to send me a sample page as a PDF? Your plan for the Kumiko table saw sled I bought a long time ago. Best regards from Daniel

[@JTWoodworks]

The course is a multi video format. I'm not sure what you mean by a sample page.

[@danielbergmann8595]

@@JTWoodworks It's ok, I did a little research, now I know it's a video. Thank you very much, I will buy it right away.

[@JTWoodworks]

I appreciate it! I hope you find it helpful :)

[@kopigunung]

I happen to find even a certain japanese made a kumiko decorated wooden geodesic dome that doesn't need bending .. Does it ring you the bell ..

[@neilphillips3193]

Stunning. Just stunning. What material did you use? I can’t find basswood that long, so I assume pine? The paper was a great choice too.

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much!! It is basswood. My local lumberyard carries quite a bit of it at very long boards

[@neilphillips3193]

@@JTWoodworks that’s awesome. I’ve been using SWP for longer pieces, but it doesn’t cut as cleanly. Tends to chip. Going back to watching *all* your videos- awesome stuff

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks so much. I appreciate that. You can try cedar or spruce. That's what's used in Japan

[@barbarajohnston5400]

WOWWWWWWW 👏👏👏👏👏

[@JTWoodworks]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@DarthVader11072]

Hallo Grüße aus Deutschland! Ich möchte für mein nächstes Projekt Kumiko einbauen, und ich finde das Muster in dem Video da am besten. Das Standard Kumiko Muster und die anderen die man so im Internet findet sind nicht so mein Fall. Ich werde das jetzt zum ersten Mal machen, zudem aus Eiche. In anderen Videos wird eher ein Weichholz empfohlen, aber mit den passenden Vorrichtungen klappt das bestimmt!

[@JTWoodworks]

Bei Eiche dürfte es schwierig sein. Es neigt dazu, relativ leicht zu reißen. Ich würde jedoch gerne Ihre Ergebnisse sehen. Tut mir leid, wenn das keinen Sinn ergibt. Ich habe Google Translate benutzt.

[@DarthVader11072]

@@JTWoodworks Ja kann sein. Irgendwann mal das dauert erst einmal!

[@DarthVader11072]

So here in English: Now I think the triangular Kumiko are a little too complicated for me as a beginner with that. And triangular shapes wouldn't fit that good for my planned furniture piece. I have to build the templates for the Kumiko first, some angles and one for the joints. When I finished my project I will send you some pictures. The Kumiko will be made out of Oak because I just got a lot of strips from it. I'm in the 3rd Year of the German Joiner/Carpenter Apprenticeship, so then I can do the Kumiko with my skills I learned! Joiner/Carpenter German: In Northern Germany it's called „Tischler“ , in southern Germany where I live it's called „Schreiner“ It's just a difference in the language it's the same profession!

[@shawnkirsch]

🎉🎉🎉

[@JTWoodworks]

Thanks man!! Super excited about this one

[@TheRinzler2]

Bro straight up curfed kimiko

[@eksine]

I'm not a woodworker, but to me it seems like you could find a way to make thin long sheets of wood, maybe using a really large bandsaw, than glue the layers together using flexible glue that wont crack once bent, once all sheets are glued flat, use some king of machine to laser or CNC cut intricate patterns even more complex than what you are doing, than maybe steam the whole thing and bend it into a circle for your lamp shade? a machine shop would have a machine I think . I don't know what home CNC/ 3D routers can do, but if any of the machines can cut super thin detailed designs you would up your wood game. Just an idea from a non- woodworker. I would ask around machine shops and people who have 3d/ wood cnc type machines. oh found one, machines like these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3XCYqylip6hmdk

[@loco-logic9254]

Hi, would you mind sharing where your initial inspiration for kumiko came from? For me it was a combination of kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3_YoqqAr56FhKc paired with nothing going on in 2020. Brilliant project!

[@JTWoodworks]

It's something I've been interested in since I first saw it. It seemed very complicated at first until I took a class that broke down all the steps. I just took off and experimented from there

[@loco-logic9254]

thanks for your response, that's great to hear. i feel like experimentation in that line of work seems like the key. mad props for sharing your findings, i hope i can follow up on that some time in the future@@JTWoodworks

[@Vlow52]

With a modern era cutting technologies, you don’t even need to bent anything like that, it’s just a waste of time from a point of stability in construction, since bent wood will always have more stress inside. Just a bit 3d skills and laser cutter (since you use automated cutting tools anyway, it’s just the same).