


Kumiko Box
Description
Presented by Lee Gratton
The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking is excited to present this unique course dedicated to beginners – the Kumiko Box! In this 8-week Beginner’s course, you will make this stunningly elegant hexagonal box made from Walnut and Maple or Celery Top Pine (depending on availability).
The class will be divided into two main sections. The first section being devoted to the 6-sided box in Walnut and the second section being dedicated to a Kumiko panel to be installed into the lid.
In the first component of the course, you will learn how to safely mill a box blank using our bandsaw, planer, thicknesser, wide belt sander and panel saw. After this, you will learn how to piece together the hexagonal box perfectly with hand tools.
In the second component, we will focus on two Kumiko methods to produce this attractive ‘kasane rindou’ pattern. The first method will be used to prepare the Kumiko frame utilizing a table saw jig (especially prepared for the class). The approach for the second method is more traditional and uses just hand tools to create the more intricate pattern inside the Kumiko triangular segments.
After the Kumiko lid is completed, we will line the hexagonal box with Maple or Celery Top Pine and time permitting, we will learn how to apply a basic shellac finish to the completed Kumiko Box.
Although it is one of the smallest projects we teach at The Guild, most of us agree that it is one of the prettiest pieces on offer and certainly packs a punch in terms of skills learnt in a short period of time.
What you will learn
- You will learn how to safely mill a box blank using our bandsaw, planer, thicknesser, wide belt sander and panel saw.
- After this, you will learn how to piece together the hexagonal box perfectly with hand tools.
- We will then focus on two Kumiko methods to produce this attractive ‘kasane rindou’ pattern.
What you will get
- A beautiful hand crafted Japanese Kumiko Box.
What to bring
- All materials included.
What to wear
Comfortable clothing & steel capped boots recommended .
Appropriate for
Beginners welcome.
The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking was founded by Alastair Boell in 2007. After graduating from the world renowned North Bennet Street School, Boston (USA) Alastair felt that there was a great need in Australia for an educational facility that focuses on traditional skills.
The Guild is committed to preserving and advancing craft traditions in furniture making. We are also committed to promoting a greater awareness and appreciation ofcraftsmanship. In our classes we emphasize the skillful use of hand tools and power equipment and an informed use of appropriate materials. We are passionate about what we do and want to share information, ideas and skills with all our students young and old, from beginner to advanced.
The Guild offers 13 Open Courses a week where students are able to bring in their own projects. Also during the year on a regular basis we offer a number of short intensive classes on varying woodworking topics. Our student to teacher ratios are very low with a maximum of 8 students in the open classes.
The school itself is conveniently located two minutes from the Blackburn Rd exit off the Eastern Freeway. Parking is readily available right at the school’s door.We promise to do our very best to provide you with endless opportunities in a stimulating and supportive community.
We invite you to take your place at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.
Your Teacher
Coming from a background in music and architecture, Michael’s journey into furniture making was prompted by some ideas and interest that he had in instrument making (drums in particular). The study of furniture making seemed to be the most practical and logical step to acquire the necessary skills for wooden instrument making.
Accordingly in 2014/15 Michael undertook a Certificate III in Cabinet and Furniture making at Holmesglen TAFE full-time.
Through participation in the Furniture Making course, he became more interested in the craft of furniture making itself and gained a great satisfaction and inspiration from the experience of working with wood.
Since 2016 Michael has been a full time furniture maker making furniture at Whelan, Westwood and Tide Designs.
Michael has entered pieces in the Student Craftsmanship category of Furnitex Awards in 2014 and 2015, both of which became finalist pieces and also received an award for Excellence in Craftsmanship at the Holmesglen TAFE Design Awards for 2014.
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking has an average rating of 4.5 for their other classes.
See other reviewsCancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 28 days before class starts. Free of charge.
- A transfer can be requested anytime before the class starts. Free of charge.
- A credit note can be requested 28 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
Terms & Conditions
Anyone partaking in any classes or coming to any events at Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking or organised by Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking must agree to these terms and conditions.
1.) LIABILITY WAIVER
I agree to take on full responsibility for any damages, injuries and for physical and/or personal property, which I might incur whilst participating in classes and/or events organised by Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.
2.) PHOTO & VIDEO
I agree to give Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking unrestricted publishing rights for any photographs or videos taken at Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking classes and events or on Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking's premises. (For use of Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking marketing materials).
3.) REFUNDS
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking requires 4 week's notice in writing prior to the class for a full refund or transfer.
4.) CANCELLATIONS
We require a minimum of 4 students for this course to go ahead. In the event that a class is cancelled, students will be notified via text message or email and entitled to a full refund or credit.