David Swernofsky

Finely sharpened and tuned Japanese tools offer a level of performance that all woodworkers seek to achieve. A chisel that can cleanly slice through end-grain or a plane that creates see-through shavings, brings a joy to your work that nothing else can. Getting your tools to perform this way can be an elusive and frustrating task. There is so much information out there it can be overwhelming to process and implement. There are also nuances and subtleties of technique that can be hard to learn from books or videos. I spent a long time wishing I had someone to show me how to sharpen tools in a traditional way, or set up the tools I had finally collected. I even remember sitting there with my new tools and stones, everything ready for me, but being paralyzed by fear that I would somehow ruin them. Eventually you have no choice but to jump in and just get at it, making mistakes and fumbling your way to success. By offering this class I aim to shorten that path and take out some of the stones you may stumble upon.My class starts with an overview of the history of Japanese tools, the various styles and regional differences. We will also go over the various tools from standard to specialized. Do you want a tataki-nomi or a hantataki-nomi? I will show you tips on how to find and buy them without getting ripped off.The bulk of the class will be practical, the sharpening and setup of chisels and an overview of setup up hand planes. The full process of setting up a hand plane is too complex to cover in the same class as chisels. Upon request I can set up a class the completely covers hand plane set up and use.I have been working with wood for over 25 years, and using Japanese tools for over 15 years. I am a professional woodworker and by that I mean I make my living with my hands and tools. I design and build furniture, high end finished structures like pavilions and outdoor kitchens, as well as timber framing and custom lighting. I also teach classes on beginner and intermediate Japanese woodworking.