The Makers Guide

Japanese pull saw cutting technique demonstrated at The Makers Society workshop, showing controlled pull stroke and precision hand tool use
Luca Dal Molin | February 05, 2026
How to Choose the Right Hand Saw: Understanding Japanese Pull Saws

Japanese pull saws cut on the pull stroke, allowing thinner blades, cleaner cuts, and greater control. This guide explains why they outperform Western saws and helps you choose between a Ryoba, Dozuki, or Flush-Cut saw based on how you work and what you want to build.Β 

A woodworking sharpening setup, featuring 1000 and 6000 grit water stones, a diamond plate, a honing guide, a leather strop, at The Makers Society
Luca Dal Molin | February 03, 2026
How to Build a Simple, Effective Sharpening Setup

A dull tool is unsafe and frustrating. This guide shows how to build a simple sharpening setup using diamond plates, honing guides, and a stropβ€”no complexity, just results.

A close-up photograph of a freshly sharpened chisel paring a thin, curling wood shaving from a piece of timber, with more shavings on the workbench.
Luca Dal Molin | February 01, 2026
Sharpening Basics: The Science of the Edge

Sharpening basics are the foundation of safe and accurate woodworking. This guide explains what sharp really means, how to chase the burr, and how to maintain edges without complex systems.

A split photograph showing a chisel to pare a dovetail joint, and a hand plane to flatten a board, illustrating the different roles of the two tools.
Luca Dal Molin | January 30, 2026
Choosing Your First Hand Tools: Hand Planes vs. Chisels Explained

Choosing your first hand tools starts with understanding function, not brand. This guide explains the real difference between chisels and hand planes, how they’re used, and the smartest purchase order for beginners.

Five high-quality hand tools: a Japanese saw, three chisels, a combination square, a marking knife, and a wooden mallet, laid out on a workbench.
Luca Dal Molin | January 28, 2026
Choosing Your First Hand Tools: The 5 Tools You Actually Need

Skip the cheap 100-piece sets. Choosing Your First Hand Tools is about buying fewer, better tools that hold an edge and cut predictably. This guide covers a minimalist 5-tool kit: a Ryoba pull saw, three chisels, a combination square, a marking knife/gauge, and a joiner’s malletβ€”plus GCC rust prevention.

Sapele on the left with a ribbon grain and Mahogany on the right with a more uniform grain, placed on a workbench with woodworking tools.
Luca Dal Molin | January 26, 2026
Sapele vs Mahogany: Choosing the Right Luxury Wood for the UAE

Sapele and Mahogany look similar, but they behave differently in the GCC. Learn how Sapele’s ribbon grain, hardness, and exceptional stability suit UAE interiors, while Mahogany offers classic patina and easier carving. This guide covers durability, workability, ethical sourcing, and which wood fits your project.Β