About the Workshop
An introduction to the vertical layout techniques used in traditional Japanese buildings. Students will learn the art of scribing timbers to irregular stone foundations, transferring reference lines, and marking joinery for upright posts. This is precise, patient work—bridging geometry, gravity, and intuition to make timber meet stone as if it grew there.
Topics Covered
Understanding reference planes and building height.
Creating and using a story pole.
Stone selection and layout.
Scribing and fitting techniques.
Scribing with regards to related timber constraints.
Included with Tuition
Meals Included - This workshop includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on each day with the exception of the last day, where only breakfast and lunch are served. Meals are typically brought in or cooked family style.
Project Materials - Students will be provided with practice stock and local stones, of which Maine has many.
Prerequisites
To gain the maximum value from this workshop, it is recommend you have some woodworking experience. Please inquire if you are a beginner so we can plan accordingly. Consider taking one of our Japanese Woodworking Bootcamps prior to this course.
See our Prerequisites information for qualifying prior training.
Required Tools
The following tools are required to get the most out of your experience. A loner may be available but not guaranteed. Bringing incorrect, poor quality, or damaged tools will limit your ability to participate in the class. Please contact us for assistance in purchasing tools prior the the workshop.
Sharpening curved chisels.
Metric measuring tape
Metric sashigane 300 or 500 (2 of these is preferred
Small float level
Japanese chisel (15-18mm)
Small curved Japanese chisel (soto maru nomi 9-15mm)
Ryoba saw (240-270mm)
Japanese hammer
Your personal sharpening gear.
Optional Tools
Scribe tool - available for purchase at the workshop
String line(s)
F clamps and/or quick clamps
Chalk
Small combo square
Register Below
Begin your registration process below. We can help you acquire the required tools for pickup at the workshop.
If you do not see a registration box below, refresh the page.
Please kindly review our class and workshop policies at the link below:
For events lasting more than day we offer limited guest rooms and rustic camping:
For recommended tools for this class and your woodworking career: