Kumiko Bench Hook Pt.1

I recently had the opportunity of presenting a series of Kumiko workshops through Lee Valley Tools. As part of this series, I had certain criteria to work with. Namely a low cost, less complex and simpler way to create Kumiko components. The other criteria involved removal of the power tool component. Not everyone has convenient access to a table saw and other woodworking machines.

With this in mind, I have developed a sequence of steps to create the outside Kumiko grid as well as a couple of easily made guides to create the beveled inner components. These are the components which form the Kumiko pattern or motif. The bench hook has a removable stop that aids in establishing the kerfs for the half-lap notches in the grid components. A tuned spacer offsets the grid components to the left to establish a second kerf that forms the walls of the half-lap notch. A 1/8 in. chisel is then used to remove the waste and the half-lap notch is created.

I am posting a few images of the new Kumiko Bench Hook, a small Dozuki saw and the resulting bars (strips) with perfectly spaced notches. All created with only hand tools. Enjoy this pleasant dust-free and noise-free process of creating Kumiko. Since this is an evolving project, there are more images coming with other innovative features to be able to create Kumiko using only hand tools (the traditional way).

I have packaged together several instructional videos on how to make Kumiko. The videos show the detail involved and how to create the grids from rough blanks. Other videos focus on creating the small parts within the grid forming the intricate patterns. I also realized that creating the guide blocks is a prerequisite to Kumiko and this step kept many people from experimenting with Kumiko. So other videos describe how to create guide blocks in detail (from rough blanks). Guide Block plans are also included in the Kumiko Course available here at WoodSkills.