making of japanese ofuro bathtubs 

I love Japanese culture

Love that it is made with no toxic materials. Someone else mentioned they possibly coat it with a natural oil similar to linseed which linseed is not toxic to humans so w/e oil they use, perhaps even mineral oil? I bet it is still non-toxic to humans when exposed to soaking hot water. It’s easy enough to take a shower but once you are soaking in hot water whatever vessel you use is subject to leaching plastics or whatever other chemicals into the water you’re soaking in. In another video a guy was trying to make a Japanese “inspired” hot tub and then proceeded to seal everything with epoxy and flex seal. I like using very hot water to soak, I can’t imagine that those products are designed to be exposed to hot water for extended amounts of time and still remained stable and not leach. You shouldn’t even be breathing them in when you first apply them (always labeled ‘apply in well ventilated area,’) so hot soaking in them doesn’t sound like a great idea. As always, brilliant detail oriented design from the Japanese, the sophistication a result of necessity. As opposed to fighting the water it’s so cool that the joint works naturally with the wood absorbing the water. so simple, efficient and smart.

If I understand it well, the tub is basically dovetailed together with a singular continuous lip on each conjoined edge, the lips being a millimeter or less than the gap it fits into, expansion from the Cypress absorbing moisture ensures a water tight fit, the inner seam is lined and stuffed with what looks like Oakum, if it's good enough for boats, but unlike boats, seems tarring isn't necessary, The metal strips for additional support are probably the easiest section. The absolute precision aside, the minimalist design is a marvel onto itself. Is the wood treated in any way? any resin or coating to know of?

This tub is blowing my damn mind.

Thank you.

2:40 - Oh god... this dude must be the grand master of ofuro bathtub builds... he could pretty much make his own coffin lol.

Awesome!! I would like to do something similar to this. ☺️

perfection

Owesome

Show.

great video! what was the stringy material that was being stuffed in the edges?

3代目89歳で現役ってやばいよな。 89歳で仕事できたら家族は幸せだよ

And impossible to find in California.😢