The Japanese Workbench - a Planing Beam

A traditional Japanese planing beam, mostly used for thin and long pieces like shoji stiles and rails but it can be adapted and used also for other woodworking tasks. I've added two extra features, a V groove to hold the pieces at 45 degrees when using the chamfer plane and a rebate to edge plane the machine marks of the long kumiko strips.
No fancy joinery on this project, just using basic techniques, spruce wood, screws and nails but made it a bit fancy with some dark stain and a rope wrap on the base.
Enjoy!
■ Some tools used in the video:
Suizan 9.5” Ryoba Folding Saw - amzn.to/3SbHJB7 (Amazon)
Suizan 9.5” Dozuki Folding Saw - amzn.to/3TX0UQk (Amazon)
Book Japanese Woodworking Tools, Toshio Odate - amzn.to/3NVvg1N (Amazon)
Forged Nails - bit.ly/3BpNTCU (Dictum)
Japanese Hammer Genno 115g/4oz - amzn.to/3SdGIZq (Amazon), bit.ly/38jhGyw (Dictum)
Pfeil Marking Knife - bit.ly/39jGrLc (Dictum)
Bar Clamps - bit.ly/2vtVfIg (Dictum)
50 mm blade Kanna - amzn.to/3RVP9Hl (Amazon), bit.ly/47wtjQG (Dictum)
■ List of all my tools: www.adrianpreda.com/blog/tools
■ Tools list on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/adrianpreda
■ Plans and Products I make on my store here www.adrianpreda.com/shop
■ Follow my INSTAGRAM for insights and other projects:
/ adrianpwood
As an Amazon and Dictum Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
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Music:
by Epidemic Sound:
www.epidemicsound.com
0:00 Intro
1:14 The Low Stand
5:20 The Sawhorse
8:51 The Beam
10:00 Demo
#woodworking #japanese #workbench

[@sarcasticserpent]

I miss your videos. They give me so much peace while inspiring me to polish my own craft. I hope everything is well in your life.

[@AdrianPreda]

I am just editing a video now, in a couple of days will be here. All ok, thanks

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

The rope makes a nice scratch post for the cat :D

[@AdrianPreda]

Don't let them know, I haven't yet showed that :)

[@melindajohnson3394]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@MCsCreations]

I thought exactly the same! 😂

[@kitsurubami]

you beat me to it

[@romeotango5597]

I was thinking the same thing, we’re pretty limited on space so I don’t have a full work bench, this could be great for storing it in the open in place of a cat scratching post/elevated spot for them in the living room when not in use lol

[@Matthew_Jay]

Films like this are an absolute joy to watch. 👍

[@AMTunLimited]

Japanese Woodworking Tools is such an incredible book, and I'd recommend it to anyone, not just people interested in Japanese woodworking tools.

[@AdrianPreda]

Indeed, one of the best book on woodworking!

[@encapsulatio]

@@AdrianPreda Could you make please a video where you list your top 5 books on woodworking you found in all your time of working with wood?

[@rollingstone3017]

There is definitely an elegance and beauty to the Japanese way of working. Your beam setup is particularly nice. Inspires to do good work. Thank you for the video!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you very much! In the next video I will be using more this beam, making some shoji screens

[@rollingstone3017]

@@AdrianPreda Do you recall how much rope you needed to do that wrap?

[@katzmosestools]

So fun to watch my friend!

[@AdrianPreda]

Hey Jonathan, thanks! Cheers!

[@katzmosestools]

@@AdrianPreda congrats on 100k as well!

[@youtukang]

Excuseme 🤝🤝

[@merkel2750]

Big fan of yours man! Awesome to see you’re a decent human aswell as a great wood smith!

[@balconyShop]

Japanese style woodworking definitely is useful and practical. this planning beam is another proof. Thanks Adrian. We learn a lot from you

[@noahfreeman8115]

Love these videos - and especially love seeing more traditional Japanese woodworking!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@Roman-hx3qj]

Excellent, love those long shavings of your Japanese plane

[@Jimbo878]

Absolutely love the aesthetic look of this beam, and it's portability, that heavy base has so much potential for other uses, an anvil base (Ura Dashi), splitting stump, a seat/stool , mini bench base, you are an inspiration.

[@mehdikoschin5651]

Danke für die stillvolle Videos.

[@allenwc]

Wow, brilliant. 45 degree groove, kumiko rabbet, all the details. so well executed. Love it.

[@rosalindaestrada7405]

BEAUTIFUL WORK!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very very nice Adrian as all the stuff you make! 👍thank you.

[@davidhirotsu5696]

Incredible craftsmanship

[@joshfinch5338]

High quality! Nice

[@GKganesan]

Thank you. It was instructive.

[@perwetano]

"The high level of sofistified is simplicity" 👌👏

[@ureasmith3049]

Brilliant! The use of gravity combined with using the larger back muscles makes for efficient planing.

[@LimitOfN]

Well done. Always excited to see your videos.

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@makermark67]

Beautiful

[@izzy2075]

What an esthetic look, I love it ^^.

[@matthewbrady5214]

So cool!

[@zhenyalandyak8258]

youtube and woodworking, you have the best content.

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

Well done. I've been wanting to make this myself!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@madmikemakes3056]

The most relaxing woodworking video I've watched in a long time. Nice work!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks 👍

[@toddleake880]

Hi Adrian, I love your work. A few favourites for me are the Japanese toolbox and small mitre boxes. This planing beam is one I will watch again. It’s so simple and beautiful and I wish I had room for one in my shed. Hopefully you will keep producing these beautiful projects.

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! Next will come some shoji projects using this beam

[@AMTunLimited]

I love your "rapid prototyping" setu

[@AdrianPreda]

Usually I make some drawings first, see how things go together, proportions, design etc but here nooo :) There are also more changes along the way that were not in clip :)

[@TheBearGrylz]

As always, we’ll done old friend.

[@emilhuser2033]

Your workshop looks very nice!👍👍👍

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you!

[@WoodfulProjects]

The rope adds so much depth to the footstall. This build was great to watch and to learn a new kind of bench. Cheers

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! I saw this detail in the book, normally the wrap that stool against a pole in the shop. I don't have that so I made it just to look cool, although it kinda cost some bucks for that rope, around 25$ :)

[@giemmi76]

Ispirazione che affonda le radici nel tempo. Saggezza e serenità..grazie mille

[@TheStabbedGaiusJuliusCaesar]

Yet another amazingly beautiful video and project. Thank you.

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@user-bd2kh6ib7d]

Amazing. 😮

[@benson5468]

Sir it looks like a peace of Furniture well done

[@jcsrst]

The cat is going to find that base irresistible 😂 Always a pleasure to see what you're up to!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! :) I bet, haven't showed yet

[@bwamak3015]

Great job Adrian, as usual !👌👍

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks again!

[@ericchilver9113]

Artisan . Calm peaceful mindful.

[@jennessalynam7682]

Very nice!

[@bighands69]

The base that is wrapped in rope would make a beautiful fine furnishing.

[@detvviller]

great work, once again !

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@user-pt2sg9po3y]

Wonderful! Nice to see you

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you! 😊

[@kieranfoster902]

Love your work.

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you!

[@arsalanbalti101]

Very very NICE.

[@rawframeshandcrafted]

Love this! Will have to make… thanks for the inspiration and great video

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@matthewhall9692]

Beautiful and satisfying to watch. Would love to work on something like this with tools like that. The wood being used for planing board seems better than any lumber I can ever get my hands on without having to take out a 2nd mortgage >.

[@createdesign]

Einfach Großartig 🙏💪

[@didanoff]

Perfect!!!!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@the_attic_woodworker]

Great video, as always

[@AdrianPreda]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nikburton9264]

Beautiful work Adrian. But then, that's what's expected from your shop. Just Beautiful

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks Nik!

[@sebytro]

Foarte frumos lucrat!

[@AdrianPreda]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@MB-uj7pp]

a true man

[@sandytooks]

I hit the thumbs up button, but only because I couldn't find the one thousand thumbs up button. I am definitely going to make one. SOON!

[@JoshIbbotson]

Great job! Beautiful work as always :)

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you!

[@scimon]

Nice work from an experianced man! I was amused to see an MHG chisel... and yes - I also still use some of my western chisels made of old swedish steel. For me it is a natural process to move over to japanese tools step by step... Toshio Odate wrote a real woodworker bible by the way. Glad to read it in english :-) Over and over... I enjoy the fact that there is a huge community of woodworkers that embrace handtools nowadays.
Let's go and create some unique, useful and hand-made things that last more than a lifetime!

[@SalehalOreef]

amazing work 👌🏻

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Adrian! It turned out fantastic! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! Cats always included! 🖖😊

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! You too!

[@dukeengine1339]

Always great class... 😉

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you! 😃

[@youtukang]

*GOOD JOB*
*I LIKE YOUR DESAIN PROJECTS*
😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! Yeap, probably it was the longest gap between clips. Nothing youtube worthy projects and family stuff this period. Now I have a few on the roll.

[@grantwilliams630]

I have that book :) excellent work! Maybe I’ll try it too

[@PabloBarriaGenta]

the best video ever

[@createdesign]

Frohe Weihnachten 🎄

[@PatNetherlander]

Wauw, just wauw. This is such a beautiful piece of art, disguised as a most minimalistic workbench. Such efficiency to work with! I salute you. (again…)

[@youtukang]

😊😊👍👍

[@Tukangkayu_ae]

nice job

[@MrSeminole77]

excellent content!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@Ashe_Fenrir]

Your planing beam is nicer than my desk now hahah :) Thanks for another excellent video.

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! :)

[@jonnyramsden1161]

Very cool. It reminds me a little of a few of the traditional bits and pieces used to do green woodworking in the UK. I knocked together something to debark branches with a draw knife that is a little similar, this is a more elegant design though

Hello my friend,
Congrats on the project and smart way of working that hides great experiences. See you. Big greetings.....

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you! Cheers!

@@AdrianPreda 👏👏👏👏

[@Timbo868]

Watch your video was almost like a holy experience!! I subscribed because I had too!! Please keep those videos coming🖖🖖

[@sapelesteve]

Now that was an awesome build Adrian! Leave it to the Japanese to come up with something like that.

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! Yes, very simple and practical tool

[@eduardotapiasaez]

i like this

[@MaBuKunsthandwerk]

Tolle Arbeit
und eine schöne Idee für Zuhause

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@glueupsscrewups]

I just discovered your channel. You work and videos are incredible! Please start making content again.

[@zickzack7986]

While I definitely admire the precision and detail that went in this thing, I can’t help but notice this is by no means just a traditional planing beam.

[@marcenariacriativa_messi]

Muito bom mesmo. Gostei muito dos seus projetos. Ganhou mais um inscrito! Abração aqui do Marcello Messi 🇧🇷

[@raulgomez3588]

wauuu, so very naci. Wonderful

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you!

[@viorsa8200]

Excelentes proyectos muy bien desarrollados y mejor ejecutados , los japoneses son muy buenos trabajando la madera , gracias por compartir tanta creatividad y conocimientos , un saludo cordial y por supuesto un gran like desde Narón , Galicia ( España)🤓 😜

[@AdrianPreda]

Gracias!

[@ags4058]

Luar biasa.. hebat.. tampak rapi

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks

[@badcat4707]

Thumbs up , just for Cat friends , very nice looking planing beam , and you probably have the cleanest looking workshop i or
anyone else on You Tube has ever seen ! ;-)

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks 👍

[@alexroeval]

Ce relaxant, este primul video pe care-l urmaresc, daca nu citeam comentariile nici nu vedeam numele canalului tau. Felicitari, faci o treaba minunata!

[@yanuar1420]

Welcome back. I was looking at your channel and sad that last upload is 7 months ago. glad you upload again & hope you have a great day

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! yeap, it was the longest gap between clips. didn't had any youtube worth clips plus some family stuff made me not post. But now I have a few on the roll, hope to bring them soon

[@marcoveneziano7364]

Great job! And congrats for 100k subs!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you Marco!

[@valeriy_aleksandrovich]

Workbench whith a сat scratcher. 👍

[@giorgosroumeli4782]

Super Projekt gutes Video

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks!

[@DrChattan]

I love everything about this project. Except the paint.

[@adrianluica6960]

Foarte frumos. Imi place ca lucrezi curat.

[@AdrianPreda]

Multumesc!

Is this a workshop or a living room? Insanely clean.

[@mircomasini9591]

Ciao complimenti bellissima Realizzazione.ed utilissima per alcune lavorazioni bravo👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@AdrianPreda]

Grazie! Nel prossimo video, facendo shoji, lo userò!

[@kevinsorensen367]

Such fine work! You really deserve more views/subscribers!

[@AdrianPreda]

Thank you very much!

[@siriosstar4789]

Interesting that Japanese saws and planes are used on the pull stroke . That was what initially attracted me to japan hand saws some thirty years ago. the blade is always in tension ,increasing the control and accuracy . i wonder why no other country came up with such a genius idea .

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! Indeed, probably because they do many tasks, crafts etc working on the floor it came natural to make tools that are used on the pull stroke, using their own body as a stop. Pushing ones would not have work this way. I tried some time using the western planes when working on the floor, impossible :)

[@GenePavlovsky]

Very pretty and nice, but much fancier than described in Odate's book. Reading his book, I could see their mindset was very simple and utilitarian, yet they could achieve great things with skill and practice. When I see Western woodworkers get into Japanese tools, they often take the traditional stuff and "pimp it up". For better or worse - you decide! In my opinion, the simplicity is often diminished or lost.

[@Franciscoaldembergue]

Show de bola meu amigo parabéns pelo seu trabalho ganhou mais um inscrito e deixo aquele like valeu 👍🏻👍🏻💯💯🤝

[@usaf4dbt]

Thank you

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks for watching too!

[@tomsbastelkanal5468]

Hey Adrian, wieder ein tolles Projekt. Kannst du mal einen japanischen Grundhobel vorstellen, kann keinen finden?

[@VORONM]

You will soon become a real Japanese carpenter :-))

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks :)

[@mergrew0110]

A combination of simplicity, elegance and function. Tell me, do the legs of the A frame slip on a smooth interior floor? I could see that in a workshop that may not be a problem.

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! It seems they don't. I had in mind to add a rope from the underside of the beam, about 1m away, then to the lower side of the A sawhorse, just for safety, but it wasn't the case. The only risk is that I will hit the sawhorse with my leg but I will see how will go when I will work more on this tool. Maybe I will add that rope eventually

[@mewmew32]

nicely done, though I can't say I see the logic in a base that could hold a space shuttle on one end with toothpicks on the other. and what were all those holes for? it looked like some had threaded rods presumably to aid the spacecraft carrying capacity, but others just go clean through?

[@anthonyplana8140]

Great video, the features you added were nice👍🏼. I’m curious how you record the audio in your videos? it’s very clear and natural

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks! I use an external mic for the camera (canon m50), a Boya BY-MM1, same as the Rhode correspondent, nothing fancy, just a

[@ohwii]

Great stuff. How long did you finally make beam.

[@michael.knight]

Nice video Adrian, the angled planing beam looks like a really comfortable way to plane. Do you have any recommendations for a wide (~60-65mm) plane in Europe? I have the Dictum one, but smaller. Was wondering if you found good places for Japanese planes here in Europe.

[@AdrianPreda]

Thanks Michael! I only have cheap kannas so far like those from Amazon, under 100 usd/euro. If you go in my tool list on my site, it's a link in description here, there is a 65mm one at 88 euro. I have that one. Haven't used it so much, I was able to set it up, sharpen etc and it's ok