Ishitani Furniture Pierces My Hardened Heart
I think the kids call this ASMR.This is so embarrassingly jaded, but it’s hard to find romance in the shop anymore. It used to be so effective too, especially when I couldn’t get into there myself. For a jolt of woodworking from my old cubicle, I’d peruse Eric Sloane’s impossible expressive line drawings; read Brian Holcombe’s blog, where he wears cufflinks while making complex furniture by hand; or relish Lumberjock user mafe’s endless enthusiasm amid his tiny, cluttered space.
Not now, though. Not when woodworking inspiration is my job. Not when every idea I see is chased by “Is an article here?” To be sure, I’m not complaining, but noting how my perspective has changed. Trust me: Things could be worse than not gushing over a naturally lit plane shaving.
There’s still one reliable exception: Ishitani Furniture. It’s funny too, because his shop isn’t exactly romantic. It’s essentially an OSB-clad room full of huge tools—but what tools! Their industrial size, their faded Hitachi green: Who knew dreams were made of these? The editing is super too. Rather informal, it gives me the sense I’m hanging out or spying, but either way I’m there.
What keeps me coming back, however, are his videos’ sounds. Maybe Ben could verify this, but I swear Ishitani’s mic transmits right to my heart. I don’t care if he’s tapping a chisel or sliding a plywood bottom into place, it all sounds glorious.
Sure, this post is an entry for Made You Look, but keep your ears open too.
Comments
There was a period of a year or so where he didn’t produce any new content. When I finally saw a new video of his pop up on my phone I might have let out a joyful squeak. Lovely workmanship and design and well-edited production.
You and me both, Kevin. You and me both.
Me too! I started watching his videos when i was getting into woodworking. His videos really brought a romantic aspect to the craft. When he disappeared for awhile i thought something bad had happened. I even emailed their website asking if everybody was okay. Never heard anything back. Then one day at work i get a notification that he posted a video. I stopped everything i was doing and watched the video. It brought me much joy to see his return! Always thought he was a hidden gem in the woodworking world!!
Well said, Kevin. I would also suggest Square Rule, very similar aesthetic and editing.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJkUhZ4Zlk6HTmeV-M4q06g
Kobeomsuk is right down this alley as well. Love the style of these guys videos.
Yep, so relaxing.
I love shop sounds myself; it's part of my personal joy of woodworking. The beautiful hum of a well-tuned cabinet saw, the swish of a plane sharpened and well set, or the buzz of a handsaw as it works its way through, all fill me with a sense of joy and satisfaction--whether by my hand or not. Thanks for Sharing Barry!
I don't think the safety caveat at the start of the video goes far enough. Why not just come out and say that the safety practices in the video are often inadequate? As worded you give readers permission to tell themselves that they, too, can do stupid things because "I know what I'm doing".
I am not belittling the beautiful workmanship shown here, but ripping without a guard or riving knife, then reaching across the blade to grab the piece makes me cringe.
I've watched his entire video catalog and really enjoy his sense of style. Like others out there, I wish he'd produce more videos.
I got hooked during the lock down, I still go back looking for more videos.
Another woodworker I’m watching is Dylan Iwakuni. He does some amazing Japanese joinery. Check him out on YouTube.
Nihongo wakarimasen, but it doesn't matter with this video!
i watch and rewatch Ishitani videos whenever i need a fix. More than the video, it's the sound that scratches my itch. My favorite YouTube rabbit hole.
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