Walnut and pao ferro. Kusaka Sideboard by John Fox, walnut with bubinga drawers.
Participants learn the practical application of Japanese hand tools.
John teaches the selection, tuning, and use of Japanese chisels, dozuki saws, smoothing planes, dovetail planes, and spokeshaves, including sharpening techniques with natural and manufactured water stones. Discussion also focuses on the difference between Japanese and Western woodworking traditions. In addition to tuning up their tools, students practice planing and fitting by making a sharpening stone stand and a Japanese-style marking gauge. Further projects are possible as time permits. John Fox is an Acton, Massachusetts furniture maker who has mastered Japanese hand tools over twenty-plus years of use.