Hi All,  this is my first post.  Now that I am back to normal and working again (thanks to many of you here and the organisations that helped) I'm able to stretch my woodworking legs again.

 

One of the first things I would like to do is create some doors and some indoor windows using the Japanese Shoji style of woodworking or a hybrid of both Shoji and basic woodworking styles.  I can't find much information on the net on actual construction.  I was wondering if anybody has ever tried and/or knows how.  Specificly I can't seem to find any pictures or instructions on how both sides look.  Does the paper just attached on the back side of the door/window or is it in-between the cope and stick's? 

 

Basicly I'm looking to build some very light weight doors that I can hinge in a door way or swing up in a inner window.  I'm afraid that any door I build will sag.  Any suggestions?

 

Thanks,

 

Joe

Hi joe,

 Welcome back, try this link;

www.japaneseshoji.com

 

Thanks Ralph.  I tried the link but it was a no go.  I tried diffrent variations and googled it but to no avail, it was still a no go.

 

Hey Gene, Thanks for the advice, I know normaly they are put in tracks and are a sliding door but I was hoping I could hinge them.  Unless I rigged a sort of cable support (which would probably be ugly and not very "shoji") I think I am out of luck there.  I was actually stationed in Japan for three years but never really paid close attention to the doors.  I think I am just going to go for it.  Once I get there I will post some pictures.

 

Thanks Guys.. I think I am still going to try for a Shoji style swinging window.

You can do it.

 

First off, the panel frame MUST be very strong, especially at the corners.  And since you are doing a hinged door you will need to have a frame for both sides.

 

You must realize these types of doors are NOT kid freindly and are a pain to repair but ARE very nice.

 

Most of the time they are used in sliding tracks and are used like pocket doors.

 

The "Lattice" work that creates the lights is actually just long pieces that have been notched to fit into each other.

 

And the paper definitely needs to be Rice Paper.

 

The corners will need to be key lapped (one fits inside the other) and pegged and glued (the lightweight of the paper will help eliminate the need for that "cable" you were talking about.

 

How wide is the opening you wanted to do?

Good Morning Joe,

Well I don't know if this is what you want but here is another link for you to ponder;

http://www.shojistyles.com/screens/making.html

Thanks for all the advice and links guys much appreciated!

Joe, there are a couple of good books out there, but I am traveling today and don't have direct access to my library to give you more information. The paper is applied to one side using rice paste glue. That makes it easier to replace if damaged. Also, since shoji requires ripping lots of small parts, take extra caution and always use a feather board. (This from someone who has a scar on their thumb to remind me of the wrong way to do it!)

Hi Will,

I am going to explain how to cut thin strips that will allow you to cut them as thin as 1/16 and even 1/32 without ever getting your fingers any closer to the blade than 18". I would draw a picture however it would be so thin that I wouldn't be able to give you a good example.

 

Using your Starrett Wood Folding rule with the extension slide out and set your fence to the metal to the desired thickness, then start your table saw and feed the wood into the blade and along the fence till you reach half way on the board. Then simply raise the board up and clear of the blade and turn it 180º with the same side against the fence and feed it in till it separates and lift it out and there you are. I even make small veneer patches in this manner without any trouble or risking my hands near the blade.