Working With Wood Books

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese traditions and provides an introduction to the different types of tools used by woodworkers of the East. Author Toshio Odate, himself a shokunin – a master craftsman – shares his memories and reminiscences about his days as an apprentice and his 50 years of woodworking experience, speaking about the spiritual traditions connected to each of the tools and techniques.

Japanese Woodworking Tools features many black and white photographs, clear illustrations and detailed instructions on how to use a wide array of Japanese tools, including thin saws that cut on the pull stroke, laminated chisels with hollowed backs, marking tools, waterstones for sharpening, axes, hammers and nearly 50 different planes.