We’ve assembled a free PDF of Japanese joinery techniques and Japanese woodworking tools for Western woodworkers. If you’re interested in learning about Japanese hand tools and woodworking skills, you’ll definitely want to download this free PDF today. It’s packed with information about the useful features, construction details and most effective methods of Japanese woodworking.

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Learn the secrets of Japanese joinery that top woodworkers swear by.

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These DIY plans are free, and the perfect place to begin Japanese joinery techniques, or a great way to build up the basics of your knowledge.

1. Shoji Cabinet Plans Inspired by Traditional Japanese Furniture

Here’s a project to introduce you to Japanese joinery techniques inspired by a traditional Shoji screen. It blends traditional and modern elements, both in its design and construction. If you’ve built furniture or casework, you’ll enjoy the easy introduction to Japanese woodworking techniques in this combination of Western and Japanese joinery. You’ll use familiar tools like the router to make the end panels, and a dowel jig to make the some of the joinery. This project includes dimensioned drawings, cutlist and full-color photos of the most important steps.

2. A Close Look at Japanese Woodworking Chisels

How does a Japanese chisel differ from a Western chisel? This free article analyzes the construction, material and history of Japanese chisels. See how these tools are built to last with durable handles and laminated steel blades. Find out why the blades of Japanese hand tools are made with hollow backs. Investigate the claim that Japanese tools are only suitable for working with softwoods. We’ve included a chart so you can look at the composition of tool steels used in Western and Japanese chisels, and then choose the style that meets your needs.

3. Japanese Tools vs. Western Tools: Which Saw is Better?

In this article from Christopher Schwarz, you’ll learn about one of the most important Japanese woodworking tools: the handsaw. Christopher discusses the increasing popularity of Japanese woodworking saws and why many Western woodworkers are choosing them over locally made tools.
Many woodworkers know that Western saws cut on the push stroke and Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, but there are other important differences. You’ll also learn about benches and fixtures for Japanese woodworking, and how they compare to those of the Western shop. Christopher examines the Ryoba saw, Dozuki saw and the reasons some woodworkers are replacing their backsaws and joinery saws with these tools. Check out all the advantages and disadvantages of Japanese woodworking saws versus Western saws in this free article.

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