Hello everyone, It’s Sun again.
Today I would like to walk you guys through our Nakata factory tour which is located in Hyogo prefecture.
Since there are many processes to make a hanger, I will divide it into 3 parts.
So, today I will show you the first part of this series which is “Wood Shaping”
Wood shaping does not require much in the way of tools.
It is the process of forming the wood down to size and refine it into the desired shape.
Depending on the product model, tools can be used to make our high-quality hanger.
Anyway, none like our proud exclusive model NH-2 which is made by Nankin-kanna also known as hand plane,
refined little by little by our best craftsman, Tanaka san.
When I was at the factory, Tanaka san offered me a chance to try doing it myself.
I hesitated a little because this gem value over ￥30,000. I simply just did not want to ruin it.
And then I just talked to my inner self, “Come on, it is not rocket science, you can do it.”
Turned out to be one of the hardest things I have ever experienced in my entire life.
No wonder why only Tanaka san can do it.
He is the true legend.
Then we will assemble it into a hanger.
Before I came to the factory I was just wondering,
how could it last a lifetime if it is just bringing 2 pieces and attaching them together?
The truth is it is not just attached, but we use a high-frequency adhesive machine that generates heat by vibrating molecules at high speed, creating a special adhesive that will be bonded immediately.
How come a hanger procedure sounds like some sort of Sci-fi movie. Don’t you think so?
After shaping, the next step is sanding.
In order to make one hanger silky smooth, it is not just one time sanding but 3-4 times with different types of sandpaper.
Sanding also helps remove imperfections and stains from the process, making it ready for the next step.
All processes are basically done by hand which require not only just skill but years of expertise.
Our craftsmen are the best at their job, they can differentiate and spot the mistake with their own eagle eyes.
Our hanger is not just one of many clothes accessories but also the work of an art.
For each wood has its own unique grain, it can be seen on the hanger as part of the artwork.
Our skilled craftsmen refine the wood to smooth as silk surface but still legitimately keep the uniqueness of each wood.
That is a simplified explanation of the wood shaping process from my own factory tour.
There are a lot more details and technical terms like the wood size, the sandpaper type, the cutting device name, and so on which I will leave for a professional.
So, I hope you guys will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing.
Stay tuned for part 2: The spirit of coloring