The Makers Guide

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 mallet—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. 

A photograph showing a stack of raw timber on a humid beach on the left, and the same timber as a finished piece of modern furniture inside a dry room
Luca Dal Molin | January 24, 2026
Wood Seasoning: Why Properly Dried Timber Matters in the GCC

Wood is hygroscopic, so it expands and shrinks as humidity changes. In the GCC, fast shifts from coastal humidity to dry AC interiors can cause warping or cracking if timber isn’t properly seasoned. This guide explains wood seasoning, kiln drying vs air drying, acclimatisation, and finishes that help solid wood...

A warm photograph of a walnut serving board, a maple keepsake box, a turned oak pen, and a cherry desk organizer arranged on a rustic wooden table.
Luca Dal Molin | January 22, 2026
Wooden Gifts: How to Choose Meaningful, Lasting Pieces for Any Occasion

Wooden gifts offer permanence, warmth, and individuality. This guide explains how to choose the right wooden gift by occasion, use case, and personal style—without falling into common gifting mistakes.