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Application Acceptance is now closed. Positions for 2024 have been filled.
CALL FOR INTERNS
Discover the Art of Traditional Japanese Woodworking
August to September 2024
September to October 2024
Embark on an extraordinary adventure and immerse yourself in the world of Traditional Japanese Woodworking with the renowned David Laws - owner of Muga @ Quadrant 25. Nestled in the picturesque Wallowa Mountains of Eastern Oregon, we are thrilled to announce an exclusive internship program designed for Timber Framing, Construction, or Architectural students, offering a transformative four-week experience like no other.
Prepare to be challenged and inspired as you embrace a camping-like environment and engage in intensive hands-on training. We are seeking industrious applicants ready to seize this unique opportunity.
Throughout this program, you will acquire invaluable skills, including:
A solid foundation in jobsite procedures and practices
Introduction to the art of tool sharpening
Proficiency in using hand saws and chisels
Comprehensive understanding of milling techniques
Real-world experience translating plans into practical application
REQUIREMENTS:
Passionate about timber framing and joinery
Willingness to commit to a minimum of four weeks
Physical fitness and ability to handle and move large timbers and lumber milling
Self-motivated and driven to excel
Interest in developing tool sharpening skills
Excellent listening skills
Enthusiasm for off-grid wilderness living
Must purchase basic chisels, hand saws, and sharpening stone (assistance available with sourcing) - list of required tools included below
PREREQUISITS:
To apply, please submit a resume to Quadrant25@outlook.com detailing any woodworking or construction experience, along with a letter expressing your interest in the program. Include your name, address, age, gender, current occupation, day and evening phone numbers, and email address. Successful applicants will also be scheduled for a personal interview, which will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
Please note: Applicants are responsible for their travel arrangements to and from the site. Tents, sleeping bags. An all vegetarian breakfast and dinner will be provided.
This is an unpaid internship and training program, offering a unique opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge in Traditional Japanese Woodworking.
Join us on this remarkable journey of discovery and growth. We eagerly await the chance to meet exceptional individuals like you.
About David Laws:
David Laws, is a veteran of Japanese carpentry with nearly 30 years of experience. He graduated with a BA in Architecture from Montana State University, supplementing his education with studies in Copenhagen and Korea. However, David realized that true artistry required his direct involvement in the design process, leading him to immerse himself in Japanese woodworking under the guidance of Dale Brotherton. His passion for Japanese culture and language flourished, driving his exploration of tea house construction and Chado. A scholarship allowed him to deepen his understanding of tea at Urasenke Semen Gakko in Kyoto. In Japan, David worked independently and collaboratively on various projects, including private homes, tea houses, and temples. Returning to the US, he made notable contributions to the Japanese Garden at Boulder Falls Inn and the Portland Japanese Garden.
Today, David has embarked on a new chapter, having relocated from the bustling city of Portland, Oregon, to the serene embrace of the Wallowa Mountains in North Eastern Oregon. It is here, amidst the untamed beauty of nature, that he has devoted himself to Quadrant 25, his latest endeavor. With every stroke of his skilled hand and every thoughtful design decision, David continues to redefine the boundaries of Japanese carpentry, leaving a lasting legacy that harmoniously blends architecture and the splendor of the natural world.
Required tools for
internship and workshops
For a printable PDF copy, click here.
Here is a general list. I can help you as needed but take a look and get an idea of your budget and what you are interested in, then we can talk after you are a little more familiar with the sites… You can spend a lot on Japanese tools but it is probably better to get an understanding of sharpening before investing in the top makers.
TOOLS NEEDED
Chisels:
Timber frame chisels - Tataki-nomi (Nomi = Chisel)
15mm (5 bu), 24mm (8 bu), 48mm (1.6 sun)
*Long neck striking chisel - Anaya-nomi (same sizes)
*Long pairing chisel - Usu-nomi (same sizes)
*These are additional but not necessary, you can get by with just the Tataki Nomi
Saws:
Noko-giri
Ryoba - 2 sided saw, crosscut one side and rip the other
Changeable blade saw: Gyokuchi - brand, size 240 and 270, plus extra blade or blades for each
Yoko-biki- crosscut, one side
Zetsaw-brand, size 265, plus extra blades
Sharpening stones:
Minimum of 4 stones
1000 Diamond Stone: https://shop.kurashige-tools.com/products/naniwa-diamond-stones-400-600-800-1000-3000-6000
Coarse
Bester-brand
1200-2000
Medium
3000-4000
Randy suggests a 4000 from Suzuki Tool
I use natural blue stone, so I’m not really familiar. There are a lot of different makers…you can see online, I’m sure a lot of them are good.
Finish
8000
Randy suggests “snow white” made by Naniwa
I use a natural finish stone. I think it is best to practice your sharpening before investing in a natural stone - the man-made stones have become really good in the last decade.
*Not necessary but 400 Naniwa stone removes chips quickly, for setting up tools or if you happen to drop one.
Japanese carpentry square -Sashi-gane:
We use a Japanese measurement system called- Shaku
I have extra squares around but if you’re interested in getting one, they sell them through Suzuki Tool.
Shinwa- brand number 4) Kakume 1.5 Shaku
Hammer – Genan:
Medium weight around 500g
One side is flat and one is slightly rounded. You don’t have to have an expensive one.
Japanese tool shops:
This is the shop I mainly bought out of when I lived in Japan - a little harder to order. The son is now running it and he speaks a little English. The online site isn’t English friendly and you really have to order by emailing or calling, most of his tools aren’t on the website.
This one more user friendly for English speakers:
https://shop.kurashige-tools.com
This one in Berkley, USA: