For the past month and a half, I've been practicing with a plane so engrossed that I lose track of time until late at night every day. It all started with an encounter with the carpenter Watanabe. He is a specialist who regularly makes it to the finals at the annual national plane competition, and he is 42 years old, the same age as me. The sawdust he showed me, just 0.003 mm thick, was no ordinary scrap, but the ultimate example of beauty. "Please teach me how to use a plane!" From that day on, even though we were separated in Tokyo and Niigata, with the help of modern convenience called email, he began to answer my questions very carefully, using diagrams and videos almost every day, sometimes until late at night. In response to questions about basics such as what kind of whetstone to use, the order in which to sharpen, the angle of the blade, and how to adjust the stand, he generously shares the know-how he has acquired through years of hard work. Every day I organize all of those teachings in a memo and put them into practice one by one. I don't like to say thank you so easily, but in this case I can't find any other words than "thank you." The technique of "thin planing" is used by carpenters when finishing pillars and other parts, and is not used in furniture making. However, mastering the art of thin shaving, which is possible by pushing the plane to its ultimate limits, will help improve your furniture making skills. And best of all, it's fun! I would like to repay him for giving me this opportunity by creating a chair that shows off my skills to the fullest. In March, I plan to visit Watanabe's workshop in Niigata to receive direct instruction. I can't wait to see you again.
