Japanese Woodworking Class:
Setting up & using Japanese chisels and hand planes
Learn the basics of setting up and using the Nomi & Kanna.
A beginner-friendly Japanese woodworking class focused on the Japanese chisel (nomi) and hand plane (kanna). In this class we’ll take your brand-new chisel and hand plane from out of the box to ready to use. You’ll gain the confidence of knowing how to set up your tools the right way, and use them with skill.
One Day Workshop
Small Class Size
Beginner Friendly
Limited seats available to keep the class small and focused.
What you’ll learn
The foundation to Japanese Woodworking is the learning the tools, and gaining the skills to use them with confidence.
The nomi and kanna are two of the most important tools to learn when first getting in this craft. But they aren’t quite ready to use when you first buy them. They require a bit of set up to get them working properly.
This one day class is designed to give you everything you need to know about these two fundamental tools when just starting out
By the end of the class, you'll leave with:
• A fully set up nomi and kanna
• A full understanding on how to use these tools to work wood effeciently and safely
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
This workshop goes in depth on beginning with the nomi and kanna
During the class you'll learn:
• How to fully set up a new chisel and hand plane from brand new.
• How to safely and confidently use a japanese chisel for joinery
• How to take shavings and know what they are telling you about your plane settings (trouble shooting)
• Planing techniques for creating smooth finished surfaces
• Correct sharpening techniques for the plane blade and Japanese chisel
You’ll learn all the skills necesary to tune and use your Japanese plane and chisel for future woodworking.
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR
This class is designed to be welcoming and beginner friendly.
Perfect for you if:
•You want to get started with Japanese woodworking and need a first step
• You’re interested in learning the skills necessary to use the Japanese chisel and hand plane
• You want a calm, hands-on learning experience
Class Requirements
Required tools needed for the class:
✔ 48-65mm kanna (Japanese hand plane)
✔ nomi (Japanese chisel) *12mm recommended
✔ Tachiganna - scraper for kanna sole
✔ 1000 & 6000 grit Japanese water stones
✔ Plane adjusting hammer *225g recommended - brass or steel
Other tools not required, but recommended:
3mm chisel
Beveled straight edge
Whetstone flattening plate
*List of reccomended tool links listed below.
Required tool links:
I’ve listed two options for the required tools, the traditional blacksmith made tools, and a more budget friendly option.
Other tools:
These tools aren’t required to take the class, I’ll have options for you to use during the class. However, it’s useful for you to have these for yourself for future use.
CLASS DETAILS
Duration
1 Day (9:00am – 5:30pm)
Skill Level
Beginner Friendly
Class Size
Small group for individual guidance
Location
North Ironbound | Newark, NJ (Address upon signup)
Tools
Required tool list above, all other supplies provided
