Hardware Podcasts

STL264: This doctor prescribes Japanese tools

Shop Talk Live · 22 Apr 2022 · 1h 16m

What this episode covers

Wilbur Pan, an oncologist and editor at Fine Woodworking, discusses his blog Giant Cypress and his approach to Japanese woodworking tools, emphasizing their practical mechanics over mysticism. He explains the metallurgical differences between traditional laminated Japanese steel and modern Western single-piece steel, and details how industrial history shaped these tool designs. Pan also demonstrates a specific technique for using a Stanley No. 4 plane to reduce tear-out by reading end-grain and skewing the blade, while offering advice on buying Japanese chisels and using Dzuki saws.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Tools
Stanley No. 4, Dzuki
Also
Giant Cypress, Fujajiro, Heated Tool, Lee Nielsen, Narex, Veritas, Stumac, Grizzly, Lee Valley, Pony Jorgensen

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