TSUBAKI JINJA TORII

Recently we had the privilege of replacing the Main Torii gate at the entrance to Tsubaki America Shrine near Granite Falls, WA. An enjoyable and challenging project involving fairly large timbers carefully shaped and fitted in Traditional fashion. We started with a truck load of Port Orford Cedar logs from southern Oregon. Debarked, then milled rough dimensions with a large portable saw mill and portable power planers. Cut out most of the jointery by hand, then finished planed all of the surfaces. Once finished and assembled on the ground, the whole structure was raised by crane and placed on the sizable foundation. A copper cap on the top beam and post shoulders will help preserve this Torii.

THE PLAN

LOGS WAITING

SHAPING

HAND PLANING

FINISHED TENON ON POST

(These posts are 24″ dia.)

BEAMS 32′ LONG

AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR!

BEAM MORTISE

READY TO ASSEMBLE

ASSEMBLY

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS

THE TORII STANDS 23′ TALL X 32′ WIDE