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道具初心者が挑む次のステップ！
Hi, this is Peli from Hayama!
Welcome to the second installment of my three-part DIY challenge series.
As a complete beginner in woodworking, I took on the challenge of creating a custom kitchen wagon.
In the first installment, I shared my journey of drafting a design and selecting the perfect wood.
For this second part, I’ll dive into the key process of woodworking: mortise joinery.
What is a mortise joint? Can a beginner like me even attempt it?
I’ll answer those questions while sharing my ups and downs, and I hope this inspires you to try DIY too!
If you missed the first installment, you can check it out here:
Hayama Woodworks Studio and Its Beginner-Friendly DIY Workshops
Before we jump into the mortise-making adventure, let me introduce you to Hayama Woodworks Studio, or “Hayasta” for short!
This online shop specializes in high-quality solid wood furniture handcrafted by Master Ohara, a seasoned craftsman who values sustainability and recycling.
Hayasta also offers beginner-friendly DIY workshops, held at the Hayama Craftsman’s Lodge, a facility operated by Nagatsu Lumberyard. This workshop space is fully equipped, and you can even purchase wood directly from the lumberyard!
Not only is it convenient, but you also get access to high-quality wood at reasonable prices.
What is Mortise Joinery? A Beginner’s Biggest Challenge
As a total novice, I had never even heard of the term “mortise joint.“
According to Master Ohara, a mortise joint is a key woodworking technique where one piece of wood has a protrusion (tenon) that fits into a hole (mortise) on another piece of wood.
Mortise joints are essential for furniture durability and aesthetic quality, but they can be intimidating for beginners.
Of course, nails or screws are a simpler alternative, but I decided to challenge myself with mortise joinery to experience true woodworking.
Ohara explained how mortise joints improve durability by securing parts tightly together and make assembly much easier without relying on clamps or screws.
The Struggle Begins: My First Attempt at Mortise Joinery
Based on the design plan, I started by marking lines for the mortise and tenon using a marking gauge.
Master Ohara, even just marking the lines is making me sweat
Don’t worry! Take your time. Careful preparation ensures a beautiful finish
Once the lines were drawn, I used a saw to cut the tenon. This turned out to be much harder than I expected! My cuts were crooked, too deep, or not deep enough—resulting in several do-overs.
Cutting the mortise hole was equally challenging. Even with a chisel, it was tough to achieve clean edges and consistent depth.
Success! The Joy of a Perfect Fit
After countless retries, the moment finally came when the tenon and mortise fit perfectly together. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming!
Master Ohara, it fits! It fits perfectly!
Congratulations! This is the true joy of DIY—seeing your hard work come together beautifully.
While some parts didn’t fit as snugly as I hoped, Master Ohara taught me how to fix those mistakes. It was a great learning experience and gave me confidence in my abilities.
What You Gain from Hayasta’s DIY Workshops
Participating in Hayasta’s DIY workshop was more than just making furniture. Here’s what I gained:
- An appreciation for wood’s warmth and character
- The joy of overcoming challenges
- Stress relief through focused creativity
- Expert guidance and encouragement from a professional
For beginners, having a supportive environment like Hayasta’s workshop is crucial. It’s the perfect place to dive into the world of woodworking.
Summary: The Challenge and Accomplishment of DIY
Thanks to Hayasta’s DIY workshop, I tackled design drafting and mortise joinery, experiencing both challenges and triumphs. It’s not just about making furniture—it’s about gaining confidence and discovering what you’re capable of.
Next time, I’ll share the final chapter: assembling the parts and completing the kitchen wagon. Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion!
If you’re inspired to start your own DIY journey, why not join Hayasta’s workshop? Feel free to DM us with any questions!✨
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