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Japanese Joinery- Kanawa Scarf Joint
$550.00
September 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2026 | 9:00am to 5:00pm | Monday through Wednesday
This three day course covers layout and execution of Japanese joinery. You will learn about Japanese woodworking tools and how to use them to cut intricate and strong traditional joints.
- Materials are included
See Details and Tool List Below
| Format | In-Person Class |
|---|---|
| Furniture Type | Japanese, Joinery |
| Skill Level | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Time Frame | Weekdays – Daytime |
Name: Japanese Joinery
Instructor: Andrew Hunter
Skill Level: Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Format: Three Day in-person course
September 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2026 | 9:00am to 5:00pm | Monday through Wednesday
Class Description:
Japan boasts some of the oldest wooden buildings on earth. Their longevity relies on intricate joinery that not only can withstand years of exposure to the elements, but are also reversible for inevitable repairs. In this three-day class, Andrew will introduce students to the secrets behind these sophisticated joints. Students will learn principles that are applicable to both furniture makers and timber framers alike. Each participant will cut their on Kanawa scarf joint entirely by hand. This intricate joint is a perfect exercise for getting started with Japanese joinery. Students will learn how to use centerlines and story sticks to make simple work of complex layouts and how to most efficiently use their hand tools to work to these lines. Andrew will demonstrate methods for getting tight fitting joinery every time. Three days allow the class to move at a comfortable rate, with plenty of time to do our best work. But if you breeze through the first joint, Andrew will have more to challenge you with!
We have added an extra day from Andrew’s typical weekend class offering to allow for extra time to catch up, or to get started on your next Japanese joinery project. This class immediately follows the Texas Woodworking Festival, and if you’re traveling from out of town your projects will easily fit in a carry on.
Topics and skills covered will include:
- Type of Japanese tools
- Brief history of Japanese tools and woodworking
- Sharpening
- Tool setup and usage
- Planing, sawing, chiseling technique
- Introduction to Japanese joinery
- Centerline layout
- Scarf Joint
What you’ll need:
The below tools are recommended for this class and beyond. If you do not have these, do not worry. You may borrow them from the Austin School of Furniture tool library.
- Saw for med-fine work. An inexpensive, replaceable blade Japanese Ryoba saw (rip and crosscut in one) in the 240mm size range is a good option.
- A set of chisels including at least: 12mm (1/2″), 15mm (5/8″) and around a 24mm (1″)
- Hammer or mallet for striking the chisel
- Sashigane (Japanese carpenter’s square). Any flat square will work, including drafting triangles
- A trusted straight edge ~12″
- Your favorite layout pencil (mine is a .5mm mechanical), and be sure to bring your glasses if you need them!
- Sharpening stones (optional)
- A Sumitsubo or ink line for snapping straight lines (optional)
- Bring any other Japanese tools you’d like to use and have the instructor look at (optional)
- PPE
- Water and snacks
Austin School of Furniture has the right to cancel this class at anytime if the minimum amount of students is not reached.
