Kumiko Tea Box Woodworking Class

With David Shih


You do not need to take any of our Woodworking Fundamentals classes including Woodworking I, II, or III in order to take this class. No experience is required.

Learn the art of kumiko while building your own custom wooden tea box. This hands-on class covers the full build process, from cutting miters and routing grooves with shop power tools, to chiseling and assembling small wood pieces into an intricate geometric lattice that holds together without nails or glue. You’ll leave with a functional, display-worthy box of Japanese-inspired craftsmanship. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You'll Make:

  • A handcrafted 6 ½" × 6 ½" × 4 ½" wooden tea box featuring a custom, hand-assembled kumiko geometric panel inset into the lid.

Skills & Concepts You'll Learn:

  • Essential woodshop and tool safety

  • Cutting clean, precise 45-degree mitered corners on the table saw

  • Setting up and using a router table to cut grooves and panel slots

  • Kumiko basics: layout, angle cutting, chiseling, and friction-fit assembly

  • Box glue-up, clamping setups, and panel fitting

  • Proper sanding progression and applying a clean protective finish

Equipment & Tools You'll Learn:

  • Table saw, router table, Japanese hand saws (nokogiri), chisels, guide blocks, and hand clamps.

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Kumiko Fundamentals: Project overview, woodshop safety, kumiko history, and a demonstration of cutting and assembling lattice pieces.

  2. Box Joinery: Making precision miter cuts on the table saw and milling lid grooves on the router table.

  3. Kumiko Crafting: Hands-on practice cutting, paring, and fitting the small wooden components into a geometric kumiko pattern.

  4. Assembly & Glue-Up: Fitting the kumiko panel into the lid, dry-fitting the frame, and gluing up the box.

  5. Sanding & Finishing: Removing excess glue, progressive sanding for a smooth surface, and applying a protective finish.

  6. Wrap-Up: Wood care, review of kumiko jigs and tools for home practice, and Q&A.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No experience required.

  • Class Capacity: 6 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Materials Provided?: Yes, all lumber, kumiko stock, abrasives, and finishes are included.

  • Age Limit: 13+. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. (Minors may use hand tools for kumiko work; power tool operations require adult assistance or instructor supervision).

  • Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable, well-fitted clothing, closed-toed shoes, hair tied back, and no loose jewelry or dangling sleeves. Eye and ear protection will be provided.

About the Teacher

David Shih is a woodworking artisan who enjoys crafting pieces ranging from custom fine furniture to intricate inlays. He approaches each project with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and intrinsic qualities of wood. He loves sharing his woodworking passion and currently teaches at several locations including Denver Tool Library, the Fine Woodworking Program at Red Rocks Community College, Clear Creek Makerspace, and volunteers his time for the woodshop students at Lakewood High School. You can follow his work at MoonRabbitWoodworker.com and on Instragram @MoonRabbit.Woodworker

What People Say about David's Classes…

“David was an incredible instructor. This was my first time in close proximity to woodworking tools, and he made me feel completely at ease and confident.”

“David is such a great instructor. He explains everything so well, is super knowledgeable, and makes new tools feel very easy and approachable.”