Althoff Woodshop
Kumiko Guide Blocks
Kumiko Guide Blocks
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Proudly handmade in Kansas, USA.
A nice set of guide blocks are essential for good Kumiko allowing you to get consistent bevels on the pieces. Some available out there require a screw driver to adjust, but these take it up a notch with solid brass knurled thumb screws for easy adjustment. Made from quality hard maple stock.
The standard blocks, measuring approximately 9" in length, are typically in stock and ready to ship, and should suffice for most tasks.
(Psst, its cheaper to buy the “set”)
There is a newer option D that has a single shallow 15 degree angle to add versatility to your set.
In the pattern examples, I noted which block is needed for each. Note the Dogwood Blossom has a * that pattern uses a birds mouth jig. If there is demand for one I can look at adding it, but they are relatively simpler to make.
Hardware update: Sadly, due to inflation and supply issues, the brass thumb screws are now an optional upgrade. Details below.
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A long version is also available of each block which is handy for those larger patterns (not applicable to the birdsmouth jig). For example, the panel with the blue background needed large blocks and it is roughly 18” x 42” in size overall.
Important Note on the 3 angle blocks: There is an option for a set of blocks with 3 angles - the small additional cost is not so much for the cut as it is the additional brass hardware. The 3rd angle will result in smaller reference surfaces (the angled part the chisel rides on) to get the angles to all fit. It is a less expensive option but there is that trade off as well as you might not be able to lock the stops for the entire project. They only come as a set as its basically the Asa-no-ha set with a 30 added to one block and a 60 added to the other.
Usually blocks have 2 angles, set diagonally from each other. This allows setting the stop once and able to flip the block over for a different angle and not having to reset your stop. Some blocks have both angles on the same side, or 3 angles — this might lead to needing to adjust the stop mid project and adjust it back and it can be frustrating to dial in the prior setting.
If you are looking to do the basic asa-no-ha pattern, you will need the 45°, 22.5°, and 67.5° angles. You can get these by selecting blocks A and B (or get the set for a small discount). You will also need a good sharp chisel, dozuki pull saw, and strips (not included).
Want to just make your own? Awesome! Check out Matt Kenney’s book “The Art of Kumiko”, it’s where I learned it all.
If you are wanting one that is showing out of stock, please contact me.
The first models were about 7” long but I found that the 9” ones are much more versatile. These new ones are much more popular so I keep some in stock as much as possible. The longer ones don’t sell as often, so I make them when ordered.
Other tools I use for Kumiko
- Freud Full Kerf Rip Blade (flat bottom cuts)
- Two Cherries Chisel - this holds a heck of an edge if you sharpen it right
- Quality Japanese Dozuki pull saw
Hardware update continued: The standard screw is a 8-32 phillips screw. If you want to save a buck and / or upgrade later it is easy to do so. Below are links to suppliers that carry them. Lengths of 1/2” and 3/4” should both work fine, the thread is 8-32.
Super product and service. Only suggested improvement would be to label with something nicer than painters tape
Thanks Bruce! We are experimenting with using the new CNC machine to do some nicer labeling than painters tape.