
Mokuchi Studio Episode 14: John Reed Fox
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Jun 26, 2025 John Reed Fox, a master furniture maker and educator known for his expertise with Japanese hand tools, shares his fascinating journey in craftsmanship. He delves into the allure of Japanese saws and chisels, discussing how quality tools transformed his work. John reflects on the influence of Krenov on his aesthetic and process, emphasizing the importance of finding a personal design voice over mere technical skill. He also explores the significance of grain selection and the philosophical value of handmade furniture in today’s industrial age.
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Select Grain Like You Design Graphics
- Treat every board not just by dimension but by its graphic and physical character when cutting parts for one-off furniture.
- Deliberately orient grain to control how surfaces read and avoid unintentional visual clashes.
Hand Tools Enabled a Serious Craft Shift
- John Reed Fox credits Krenov's books for shifting him from hobbyist to serious studio maker and steering him toward handwork.
- He found Japanese planes and saws essential to achieving fine hand-plane finishes over wide surfaces.
Technique Isn’t The Whole Story
- Technical mastery alone doesn't make work sing; design voice and emotional impact matter more.
- Letting go of tiny technical obsessions can free a piece to feel alive and complete.




