Machining Bokken

[ShinobiKenjutsu]

I've had about 26 years in the carpentry field on pure hobby, and I've been thinking about perhaps putting my skills into use. Is there anyone hereabouts who would have plans for machining a bokken or perhaps could point me to a website that would? I might even start a little ebay operation if I can turn out good ones.

[not-I]

[...]Is there anyone hereabouts who would have plans for machining a bokken or perhaps could point me to a website that would? [...]

Have a look at the "shinai" forum. There are some threads there that address making bokken.
If i remember correctly, there is also a rather detailed thread on the matter over in www.e-budo.com.

[Migoto]

You will want to check the thread “Making a Bokken” or “Making Bokken”. I can’t write in too much detail right now. I’ve done it before and am making a couple right now. It takes more time then you would think but it is worth taking the time to do a good job. Never feel rushed, if you won’t finish it by your deadline or when you had expected, just don’t worry about when you will finish it and put your attention into the step your working on right then. It will be more enjoyable that way and you’ll be happier with the end product. Every one you make will be a learning process, you will make more then one, if you make one at all. When you are making one think about quality and how to do it the next time. When you make one think about culturing the “Samurai Sprit”. If you are not familiar with this term it may sound lame, but it refers focus and intention, to do the very best you can right then, with the task at hand. Every one you make will be easier then the last one. But it will take some energy to make the first one. You will be very happy with the one you make. It will fill you with pride when people see the one you make and ask for one for themselves. I written too much sorry. I just enjoyed making the ones I have and get excited that other people are about to embark on the same process.

[ShinobiKenjutsu]

Understandable, I feel the same way when I have a pupil who is actually interested in the original greek texts of Aristotle's ethics! haha, but yes, I agree with you in the matter of channeling a feeling of bushido, or just plain old good chi into such a work. Thank you both for pointing me in the direction of those threads, as well.

[Migoto]

If you have any questions I would love to help out, just ask.

[ShinobiKenjutsu]

Slight of cutting my hand off, there should'nt be to much trouble, but If I do, I wont hesitate to ask you to cauterize it for me. er...

That is, If I run into any trouble, you'll be the first I ask, sir.