Despite Japan’s modern image as a country obsessed with the latest technologic advances and all things robotic, age-old Japanese methods and traditions are still highly valued, such as carpenters who use traditional joint-making techniques to fasten together pieces of wood without nails or screws. A video demonstrating this unique part of traditional Japanese carpentry has been making the rounds on the Internet lately with netizens amazed, and oddly mesmerized, by the almost hypnotic way these carpenters perfectly connect enormous pieces of wood.
Kobayashi Kenkoku is an architectural firm based in Ehime Prefecture which specializes in traditional Japanese carpentry. The tradesman pride themselves on keeping the ancient techniques alive, and have a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing these unique carpentry methods.
A major feature of Japanese woodwork is how carpenters work without screws, nails, or any other metal fasteners to keep the wood together, which they say makes the foundation much stronger and longer-lasting. So to join pieces of wood together, the carpenters must make a series of complex joints that perfectly fit into one another. Here, the carpenters complete a kanawatsugi joint.
▼Two pieces of wood ready to be joined together with the magic of Japanese carpentry
Image: Facebook (小林建工)
The carpenters don’t use glue or any other chemical to keep the wood together, either. Instead, they slowly hammer a small piece of wood, called a plug, in between the planks to force a very tight fit that makes the two pieces of wood practically become one solid beam.
▼Slowly forcing the two pieces of wood together
Image: Facebook (小林建工)
▼The finished product: one single and very sturdy beam
Image: Facebook (小林建工)
And because there are no metal fasteners or glue, the planks can be disconnected by using the plug again to force the joint apart without damaging the wood. Take a look at the carpenters demonstrating this joint technique in the video below and let us know what you think!
Video: YouTube (小林建工)
OK, we need to watch that again right away…
Source: Curazy
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Animated GIFs of traditional Japanese woodworking joints are mesmerising to watch
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