Thread: Amazing skill.

Nice video! I like the test fitting of the drawers...such an accurate slip fit that pushing one drawer in forces the other one out by air pressure alone.

I'd love to know what sort of timber they are using.
If I made a set of drawers that acted like pistons there'd be only one day that they'd work correctly, and that's the day they were made.
What happens when the humidity changes??

The first couple of guys; I bet their chisel once where quite a bit longer.

From what I remember speed it just as important as quality to the Japanese traditional craftsman.

Originally Posted by Ian Smith

I'd love to know what sort of timber they are using.
If I made a set of drawers that acted like pistons there'd be only one day that they'd work correctly, and that's the day they were made.
What happens when the humidity changes??

Hi Ian

I suspect that was Paulonia (or Powton). It is very soft and light, similar to Balsa. I have used it a little. It is much prized for boxes and furniture.

I have seen that video before. I noticed two new features this time: the first was that the dovetailer was lubricating his chisel in what looked like wax. I've not seen that before. The other was that the drawers tapered in sized downward rather than upward, as is more common in the West.

Regards from Perth

Derek

The true trade of "cabinet making"

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Hi Ian

I suspect that was Paulonia (or Powton). I

Derek, is Paulonia stable despite changes in humidity?
I was under the impression that all timber moved to some extent or other, but those drawers leave little room for any sort of movement.

I am curious because there's a bloke just over the border who sells the stuff. Might be worth a drive

Ian

Originally Posted by Ian Smith

Derek, is Paulonia stable despite changes in humidity?
I was under the impression that all timber moved to some extent or other, but those drawers leave little room for any sort of movement.

I am curious because there's a bloke just over the border who sells the stuff. Might be worth a drive

Ian

Paulownia is stable, but it moves like all wood, it moves about the same as sheaok if I remember rightly. Something like the dresser they built would traditionally be kept in a store house, not a daily user, I think that it would store a kimono?

This is all quality. My goodness!

Thank you for sharing very interesting.