Mokuchi Studio Episode 8: Wilbur Pan
May 30, 2024
Wilbur Pan, a woodworking educator and the voice behind the Giant Cypress blog, dives into the fascinating world of Japanese hand tools, separating myth from reality. He shares his journey from a blog to writing for major publications, emphasizing the scientific curiosity behind tool performance. Wilbur challenges misconceptions about using Japanese tools on hardwoods and discusses his balance between medicine and woodworking. His reflections on making things with your hands highlight the importance of practical arts education in schools.
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Episode notes
How Giant Cypress Began
- Wilbur started the Giant Cypress blog in 2010 to keep notes on Japanese tools and share what he learned.
- A Popular Woodworking mention early on helped the blog gain traction and readership.
Look For Physical Explanations
- Wilbur looked for physical explanations behind why Japanese tools perform well rather than mystical ones.
- He found parallels and engineering reasons linking Japanese and Western pre-industrial toolmaking.
Middle-Of-Night Tool Proof
- Grumpy on a night call, Wilbur tested a Japanese chisel by chopping cocobolo and then used it on pine to show it stayed sharp.
- He posted the photos that night to counter misinformation about Japanese chisels.
