• Kumiko pattern with guide block identifiers
  • Kumiko pattern with guide block identifiers
  • Kumiko pattern with guide block identifiers
  • Image of the full set of kumiko guide blocks
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Althoff Woodshop

Kumiko Guide Blocks

Kumiko Guide Blocks

$140.00 USD
$140.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size
Hardware
Angles

Proudly handmade in Kansas, USA.

Each guide surface has its own independent stop — flip the block, keep your setting, no resetting between angles. Brass knurled thumbscrews (optional upgrade) let you adjust stops mid-project without reaching for a tool — a small thing that matters when you're in a rhythm.

A nice set of guide blocks are essential for good Kumiko allowing you to get consistent bevels on the pieces. 

The standard blocks, measuring approximately 9" in length, are typically in stock and ready to ship, and should suffice for most tasks. The slots are now 13/16" wide as standard (they previously were roughly 1/2" wide). 

Standard (9") handles most patterns. Long (12") is built for larger panels — the added reference surface gives you more control on bigger work."

There is a newer option D that has a shallow 15 degree angle, and its complimentary angle 75 degrees, 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. 

Curious about the birdsmouth jig? Check out this post about it.

Get 15% off Kumiko sticks when buying blocks. Discount automatically applied at checkout.

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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).

If you are wanting one that is showing out of stock, please contact me.

Other tools I use for Kumiko

Hardware Notes: 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.