Kumiko: woodworking project in planning help needed please

#1

Tagging in conversation:
@Destom
@Rich_From_Work
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@joeatkin2

Id like to use the table saw (I’m now inducted on that tool) to create Kumiko strips to run a few workshops on making these amazing geometrical artistic structures from coasters to lanterns and screens.

Here is a blog on one way to use the table saw to do it:

This video shows the strips being cut with a guard lifted but I’m sure its just for filming and it can be down

Another version UK table saw

Jig to do the cross cuts US version so would need to be modified to UK specs


Can purchase the pattern for it for £17
https://jtwood.works/collections/plans/products/kumiko-table-saw-sled-plans

Part of the issue is that the strips are created by doing partial cuts and not full cuts this so they can interlock, much like in principal, the big jig we have covered in Perspex’s, used to do partial cuts to strengthen 90 degree joints.

I was wondering if someone experienced with the table saw and/or building jigs would be willing to work with me to figure out and create a jig that we could use to create Kumiko strips so woodworking workshops could be run doing small wooden projects while still conforming to the H&S procedures required that specifically address partial cuts on the table saw.

There are other ways to make the strips but by far the least onerous ways is by using the table saw, if an agreed jig can be made that passes the H&S requirements similar in concept to the one we already have.

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#2

Hi my first thought was to do it all on a CNC with 45 degree bit-
This example is obviously way way bigger than what you want + I may have completely misunderstood :joy:

You route out a nested design as deep as possible from big flat sheets of !perfect! stock

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#3

I think you are right, for the light box project that might well work. I’ve signed up for the Mini CnC induction so will do a test run with the small cnc for the box project. The Kumiko project however cant be done on the CNC :smiley:

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#4

I do not believe that you would be able to wholly use the table saw for this purpose.

The jigs in the videos use a set up where the safety guard that goes across the top of the blade has been removed; i could be mistaken but I believe I read in the table saw tool page that the removal of the safety guard at the MakerSpace is not allowed under any circumstance.

The CNC could work using a straight bit to consistently cut your grooves at the specified locations to the required width/ depth on your prepared boards, but you would then need to cut the separate strips on the table saw after that.

I could be wrong though - just my thoughts on the subject having read your post.

#5

I have done this about 6 years ago.I would appreciate if my design was not copied.

You will loose a lot of material on table saw as the strips are almost the width of the blade, consider bandsaw and then drum sander - that is what I will use when I resume my studio in spring.

There are also people who actually sell kumiko strips, so if you are interested in just pure geometrical assembley, getting those should suffice.

@dorine , In any way, I am happy to join this endevour and help you with preparing and running the workshop! It is fun!

PS: Kumiko cannot be called Kumiko afaik, if it is not done by hand. Then it is just ‘gemetrical patterns’

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#6

The version of doing this on the video is just 1 version of a possible solution, its easier to hack something then start from fresh.

I/we just need to work the problem and a solution with our H&S rules, will be found that can work with our tools :slight_smile:

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#7

Once I’ve worked out the workflow for this project and how to use the tools in the space to do it, it will be open for anyone to run workshops in this on their own. I’m planning to create a page that people can opt to lead and run themselves as an open source document and Ill even train the trainer if needed. Typically training 6 people is a max comfortable number at least for me on creative workshops and I’m pretty sure more than 6 people will want to do this, as you said it is a lot of fun and you get a huge amount of satisfaction when it all fits together :slight_smile:

#8

I offered my help from a view of having a workflow already established. No worries.

#9

The spline jig hanging behind the table saw is an example of how to create a similar jig - the blade is completely covered throughout the cut.

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#10

Great I was hoping to use that as a starting point, thanks for the confirmation :slight_smile:

#11

Hi @Dorine! I was hoping to do some Kumiko so thought I would check old discussions, did you get anywhere with this?

#12

Hi George,

Afraid not, I ran out of own project play time for now until work quietens down. It is a really fun thing to do though :slight_smile:

#13

No worries! Thanks for letting me know