Learning Resources for Traditional Woodworking
This curated collection of resources will help you explore traditional carpentry techniques in greater depth. Whether you're looking to learn practical skills, research historical methods, or find inspiration for your own projects, these resources provide valuable knowledge from experts in traditional woodworking.
Books & Publications
Japanese Woodworking
Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit, and Use
The definitive guide to Japanese tools and their use, written by a master craftsman. Covers the history, making, and use of Japanese hand tools with detailed illustrations.
Find BookMaking Shoji
Comprehensive guide to making Japanese sliding doors and screens, with detailed coverage of kumiko techniques and traditional joinery methods.
Find BookTansu: Traditional Japanese Cabinetry
Explores the history, design, and construction of Japanese storage chests, with beautiful photography and detailed information on regional styles.
Find BookEuropean Traditional Woodworking
The Timber-Frame Home: Design, Construction, Finishing
Comprehensive guide to traditional timber framing techniques, covering European methods that have been adapted for contemporary use.
Find BookHalf-Timbered Houses of the Rhineland
Detailed study of traditional German half-timbered construction, with architectural drawings and historical context.
Find BookSwedish Carving Techniques
Classic text on traditional Scandinavian woodworking techniques, focusing on hand tool use and traditional designs.
Find BookChinese and Asian Woodworking
Classical Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties
Definitive work on classical Chinese furniture, with detailed analysis of joinery techniques and design principles.
Find BookChinese Traditional Joinery: A Visual and Analytic Guide
Comprehensive study of traditional Chinese joinery techniques, with detailed diagrams and historical context.
Find BookAmerican Traditional Woodworking
Shaker Furniture: The Craftsmanship of an American Communal Sect
Classic study of Shaker furniture design and construction techniques, with historical context and detailed illustrations.
Find BookMake a Joint Stool from a Tree: An Introduction to 17th-Century Joinery
Step-by-step guide to creating furniture using traditional Colonial American techniques, starting from a raw log.
Find BookWorkshops & Courses
In-Person Workshops
Japanese Woodworking Intensive
Kezurou-kai USA - Various Locations
Hands-on workshops teaching traditional Japanese woodworking techniques, tool use, and joinery methods. Led by master craftspeople from Japan and experienced Western practitioners.
Workshop DetailsTraditional Timber Framing
Heartwood School - Massachusetts, USA
Comprehensive courses in traditional timber frame construction, from layout and joinery to raising. Focuses on hand tool techniques and traditional methods.
Workshop DetailsNorwegian Rosemaling Workshop
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum - Decorah, Iowa
Learn traditional Norwegian decorative painting techniques for wooden objects, including furniture decoration methods and historical context.
Workshop DetailsOnline Courses
Introduction to Kumiko
Craftsy
Comprehensive online course teaching the fundamentals of Japanese kumiko latticework, with step-by-step instruction and project-based learning.
Course DetailsTraditional Hand Tool Techniques
Wood and Shop
Online course focused on traditional woodworking using hand tools, covering techniques from multiple cultural traditions.
Course DetailsMuseums & Collections
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
Kobe, Japan
Dedicated museum showcasing traditional Japanese carpentry tools, techniques, and architectural models. Features demonstrations by master craftspeople and hands-on exhibits.
Museum WebsiteSkansen Open Air Museum
Stockholm, Sweden
World's oldest open-air museum featuring traditional Scandinavian buildings constructed using historical techniques. Includes demonstrations of traditional crafts including woodworking.
Museum WebsiteShaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Kentucky, USA
Preserved Shaker community with extensive collection of original Shaker furniture and demonstrations of traditional woodworking techniques.
Museum WebsitePalace Museum (Forbidden City)
Beijing, China
Houses one of the world's finest collections of Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, showcasing traditional Chinese joinery and design principles.
Museum WebsiteDownloadable Materials
Traditional Joinery Diagrams
PDF Collection (25MB)
Comprehensive collection of technical drawings showing traditional joinery techniques from Japanese, Chinese, European, and American traditions.
DownloadShaving Horse Construction Plans
PDF Plans (8MB)
Detailed plans for building a traditional shaving horse based on Native American and European designs, with materials list and step-by-step instructions.
DownloadKumiko Pattern Templates
PDF Collection (12MB)
Collection of traditional kumiko patterns with grid layouts, angle specifications, and assembly instructions for creating Japanese latticework.
DownloadComprehensive Woodworking Glossary
PDF Document (5MB)
Printable version of our complete glossary with additional terms, pronunciation guides, and cross-references between different cultural traditions.
DownloadOrganizations & Guilds
Kezurou-kai
International Organization
Organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Japanese woodworking traditions, with chapters in Japan, the United States, and Europe. Hosts regular events and workshops.
Organization WebsiteTimber Framers Guild
Professional Association
Organization dedicated to traditional timber framing techniques, offering education, community projects, and resources for practitioners and enthusiasts.
Organization WebsiteVesterheim Norwegian-American Association
Cultural Organization
Organization dedicated to preserving Norwegian folk art traditions, including rosemaling and traditional woodworking. Offers classes, exhibitions, and resources.
Organization WebsiteSociety of Period Furniture Makers
Professional Association
Organization dedicated to the study and creation of period furniture using traditional techniques. Offers education, resources, and community for practitioners.
Organization WebsiteVideos & Documentaries
Secrets of the Master Craftsmen
Documentary Series
Multi-part documentary exploring the techniques used by Japanese temple builders, with unprecedented access to restoration projects at ancient temples.
Watch TrailerThe Handmade Life
Documentary Film
Feature-length documentary exploring traditional craft preservation worldwide, with significant focus on woodworking traditions from multiple cultures.
Watch TrailerKumiko: Art of Precision
Instructional Series
Detailed video series demonstrating traditional kumiko techniques, from basic patterns to advanced designs, with step-by-step instruction.
Watch PreviewBuilding a Viking Ship
Documentary
Documentary following the construction of a traditional Viking ship using historical tools and techniques, with detailed explanation of woodworking methods.
Watch Trailer