• Kumiko pattern with guide block identifiers
  • Kumiko pattern with guide block identifiers
  • Kumiko pattern with guide block identifiers
  • Image of the full set of kumiko guide blocks
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Althoff Woodshop

Kumiko Guide Blocks

Kumiko Guide Blocks

$62.00 USD
$62.00 USD
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Size
Hardware
Angles

Each guide surface has its own independent stop. Flip the block and your setting stays put, so there's no resetting between angles.

Brass knurled thumbscrews (optional upgrade) let you adjust stops mid-project without reaching for a tool. It's a small thing that matters when you're in a rhythm.

A good set of guide blocks is what gives you consistent bevels on your kumiko pieces.

Standard (9") handles most patterns. Long (12") is built for larger panels, and the added reference surface gives you more control on bigger work. The slots are 13/16" wide as standard.

There is a newer option D with a shallow 15 degree angle and its complementary angle, 75 degrees, to add versatility to your set.

CUSTOM ANGLES NOTE: When checking out, put the angles you want in the special instructions. You can have up to two per block. Please reach out before ordering if you want an angle shallower than 7 degrees.

In the pattern examples, I noted which block is needed for each. The Dogwood Blossom has a * because that pattern uses a birdsmouth jig.

Curious about the birdsmouth jig? Check out this post about it.

Proudly handmade in Kansas, USA.

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How these kumiko guide blocks flip

Usually my blocks have 2 angles, set diagonally from each other. You set the stop once, then flip the block over for the other angle. No resetting your stop.

Some kumiko jigs have both angles on the same side, or 3 angles. That can mean adjusting the stop mid project and then adjusting it back. Dialing in the prior setting again can be frustrating.

The 3-angle set is the exception

There is an option for a set of blocks with 3 angles. It's basically the asa-no-ha set with a 30° added to one block and a 60° added to the other, so it only comes as a set.

The 3rd angle makes the reference surfaces smaller (the angled part the chisel rides on) so all the angles fit. It's a less expensive option, but there's that trade off. You also might not be able to lock the stops for the entire project.

The small additional cost isn't so much for the cut. It's for the additional brass hardware.

What you need for asa-no-ha

The basic asa-no-ha pattern takes the 45°, 22.5° and 67.5° angles. Select blocks A and B to get them, or get the set for a small discount.

You'll also need a good sharp chisel, a dozuki pull saw and strips. Those aren't included.

Long kumiko blocks

Each block also comes in a long version. It's handy for larger patterns. The long version doesn't apply to the birdsmouth jig.

For example, the panel with the blue background needed the long blocks. That panel is roughly 18” x 42” overall.

If one you want is showing out of stock, please send me a message through the contact page.

Other tools I use for kumiko

Hardware notes: 8-32 screws and brass knurled upgrades

The standard screw is an 8-32 phillips screw. If you want to save a buck and/or upgrade later, it's easy to do. Lengths of 1/2” and 3/4” should both work fine. The thread is 8-32.

Here's a supplier that carries them: