The Makers Guide

Hand plane, rasp, chisel and hardwood block arranged on a woodworking bench
Luca Dal Molin | March 11, 2026
How to Prepare Wood Surfaces for Perfect Joinery and Finishes

Surface preparation tools determine the clarity of your joinery and the quality of your finish. Learn how to move from shaping and planing to scraping and sanding with precision and control. Master the progression and your finish will reflect true craftsmanship.

How Japanese Wooden Nails Create Stronger, Metal-Free Joints
Luca Dal Molin | March 09, 2026
How Japanese Wooden Nails Create Stronger, Metal-Free Joints

Japanese wooden nails create stronger, metal-free joinery by expanding within the joint to lock timber permanently. Discover how these precision-milled Kakuri fasteners outperform metal screws in strength, aesthetics, and sustainability—ideal for craftsmen in Dubai and beyond.

Traditional Japanese kumiko joinery panels showing intricate wooden lattice patterns without nails or metal fasteners
Luca Dal Molin | February 11, 2026
Understanding Japanese Joinery: Tools, Techniques, and Philosophy

Japanese joinery focuses on strength without screws, using precision-cut wooden joints that adapt to seasonal movement. This guide explains the philosophy, tools, and techniques behind Japanese joinery and how modern makers can apply them to build durable, refined furniture today.

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 strop—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.

Stacked wooden boards drying on shelves in a woodworking shop with tools and wood shavings around
Luca Dal Molin | November 28, 2025
Mastering the Movement: Wood Acclimation and Storage for Fine Woodworking

Wood's natural movement is the biggest threat to the longevity of your woodworking projects. Failing to manage how lumber expands and shrinks with moisture leads to ruined joinery and warped pieces. This guide details the essential practices of acclimation—letting wood adjust to your workshop environment using stickers for airflow—and proper...