Kumiko timber?

**Midnight Man** · 11th June 2020, 12:53 AM

Many thanks to anyone who can offer some information or insight here!

I would like to make a number of Kumiko patterns, and have done enough research to understand the jigs that will make this possible.

In every resource I can find, I'm hearing that Kumiko is usually made from Basswood - something that seems somewhat uncommon here in Australia.

As I'm looking to make a few to start with, and potentially more down the track, I'd like to find a source for materials.

Does anyone know where Basswood in small, but potentially regular quantities might be purchased please? Alternatively, if there is an easier to find substitute, I would equally love to hear about that too.

**Acco** · 11th June 2020, 01:36 AM

What about Paulownia? I’m assuming you’re after lightweight and reasonable strength

**plt43** · 11th June 2020, 07:58 AM

Good question - I have had similar thoughts....
You can get basswood via Amazon but, if you've looked, it isn't cheap. On the plus side kumiko doesn't use a great deal.
Some people suggested jelutong as an alternative. I believe it's a little coarser than basswood but might be usable.
happy hunting!

**cava** · 11th June 2020, 09:29 AM

Pear is supposed to be a good alternative. I have never worked Pear, so maybe totally off on this.

**LanceC** · 11th June 2020, 11:03 AM

Is there a reason you want to make it traditional? Granted you may want something more fancy than the pine I used when making a couple, but can't see why you wouldn't just use any timer you like the colour or texture of.

**Groovyolly** · 11th June 2020, 03:32 PM

Hiya All,

Been down this road recently and found jelutong (as plt43's also suggested) is a great kumiko timber. It appearance is understated, similar texture and colour to basswood and it machines and works fantastically. Tried a few other timbers including celery top and hoop pine, but jelly is my preference. It's also not hard to obtain; Anagote Timbers in Sydney stock it and Brittons wholesale it.

Cheers,

Olly

**GraemeCook** · 11th June 2020, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by Acco

What about Paulownia? I’m assuming you’re after lightweight and reasonable strength

I visited a couple of kumiko shops in Japan 18 months ago. The timbers that I saw being used in very high standard kumiko, from tiny box panels to very large sliding doors and room dividers were:

kiri - powlonia, and
sugi - very pale and bland cedar.

**Sam** · 11th June 2020, 05:59 PM

From this thread Kumiko workshop with Des King in Melbourne

hoop pine and poplar were used. Not sure if their availability

**Midnight Man** · 11th June 2020, 06:32 PM

Many thanks to all for the information - there are a few solutions here, and it's sincerely appreciated!

**shanesmith80** · 12th June 2020, 10:57 AM

Ive experimented with a few Kumiko panels (can get quite addictive).
I done Des Kings course and we used Hoop Pine, very easy to work with and looks nice.
At home Ive used Silky Oak, Camphor Laurel, some random very hard wood and even bamboo.
They all work ok as long as tools nice and sharp. Some better than others.
IMG_2262.jpg IMG_1692.jpg
The big panel is bamboo, 3 little ones silky, camphor, hard.

**GraemeCook** · 12th June 2020, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by Sam

From this thread Kumiko workshop with Des King in Melbourne

hoop pine and poplar were used. Not sure if their availability

Des Kings books are really helpful. He knows his stuff!

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