Hello Chris, my name is Michael Cran. I live in Nelson BC and run a small design studio. I am very drawn to the japanese spirit of workmanship. I recently stumbled across your Gabriola Island workshop and was sorry that I missed it by a year. Unfortunately the Massachusetts workshop is not an option for me.
I have recently been commissioned to build a Japanese style entrance gate which invlolves some compound joinery and as with all my other projects I said "Yes! I can do that". Now I have to figure out how. I have been studying 'The complete Japanese Joinery' and am learning much but I am still a little confused about how to calculate the angles and layout lines for hip rafters. This gate is not strictly a traditional structure, but my interpretation thereof based on the clients desires. I assume I should begin by determining the pivot points? Do I have the correct scales on my square? If I remember correctly they are makume and marume. I know I can calculate the circumference of a circle, or the largest square in a circle. Any use for hip rafters? Feel like coming to Nelson and giving me a hand? 20 bucks an hour and a floor to sleep on. Anyways, I'd appreciate any help you could give me. I will definitely be purchasing your book when it comes out. Feel free to contact me at minkastudio@gmail.com or 250 505 5421
