This week I've got four projects to share — same core ideas, but a few small tweaks that completely change the result.
Simplifying Alignment on Box Joints
I've shown this box joint method before — using a 10mm router bit paired with 10mm stock. Last time, I taped the stock directly to the router table with double-sided tape, but I kept finding myself repositioning it every time I used it, and fine-tuning wasn't easy. So this time, I built a simple jig that lets me adjust the stock's position easily. The results have been solid. I skipped the jig-building process itself in this video, but I'll cover that in more detail another time.
Layering a Few Techniques Into One Joint
Using a miter saw, router, and a jig, I combined several joinery techniques into one distinctive joint. I originally planned to add accents like wooden plugs, but once I assembled it, it already looked more cohesive than I expected — so I left it as is. It's simple but holds up with real strength, which makes it a fun one to try if you're looking to test your skills.
Why I Cut Into My Japanese Hand Plane
If this is your first time seeing this, it probably looks confusing. Japanese hand planes have wooden bodies, so they can warp or twist with humidity. Because of that, you adjust by shaving the body to match its condition over time. But repeat that enough, and the "mouth" — the gap around the blade — gradually widens, which starts to affect performance. At that point, you can remake the whole body, or, like here, inlay new wood to rebuild the mouth. After doing that this time, the plane's performance improved noticeably, and it's good to go for a while longer. Being able to bring it back to life with your own hands, again and again — that's part of what makes Japanese planes special.
A Practical Joint, Even With Screws
This is a joinery method using a loose tongue. On one side, I cut a shallow groove and secure the tongue with a screw. On the other side, I cut a slightly deeper groove and slide it in to join the two pieces. I didn't use glue in this video, but in real builds you can combine this with adhesive too. There are a lot of options for joinery depending on what you're making — and a screw-based method like this can be genuinely practical in the right situation.
A Note from Taku
I actually just got back from exhibiting at a trade show in Atlanta as Temple Tools. It was a great opportunity to let people pick up and try Japanese tools in person, and honestly, I learned a lot from it myself. Being there with Chris and Takashi as a team, I felt like we grew closer through the experience.
I also had the chance to meet the president of MicroJig at the show, which was a really great exchange.
My biggest challenge is still my English — specifically, catching the intent behind a question fast enough to give a short answer in the moment. Someday, I'd love to be able to talk directly with the people watching these videos — especially those of you reading this blog. That's the feeling this trip left me with.
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