Our Story
Nestled in the foothills, on the quiet side of the Smoky Mountains, there’s a little green barn on a small family farm. In it, beautiful things are being made – sustainably, with human hands and often from local wood.
![Mountain Makers Barn in Winter](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/winterbarn-768x1024.jpeg)
![](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_0367-225x300.jpg)
Meet the Maker
Rod Molina, Founder of Mountain Makers
TN | USA
Greetings!
I’m a first-generation Filipino-American who spent my formative years in South Florida. I did some cubicle time at a well known tech company and later co-founded a successful digital media agency. Now, I find myself nestled in the serenity of the Smoky Mountains in Townsend, Tennessee.
Here, life is a continual exploration—a journey of woodcraft, creativity, and discovery. My wife, Dawn, and I make things in our little green barn, originally raised for our small herd of goats. But over time, it has transformed into a well-equipped maker lab and workshop—what I like to call our “makery.” Together, we craft things, usually from wood, or whatever we can get our hands on. We enjoy personal projects and collaborative opportunities where we design & create unique pieces for appreciative partners.
As a creative thinker, I’m perpetually tinkering—a DIY nerd with an insatiable curiosity. I’m a self-proclaimed techsplorer. My background as a software engineer and technology director fuels my passion for blending time-honored techniques with the latest innovations, to discover new methods to make things that are beautiful, functional and enduring.
I’ve seen a lot of different bandsaw cutting guides, the kind that allows you to use a template shape to create a very close rough cut on your workpiece which can then be trimmed smooth with a flush trim bit. It’s not a new idea, but yet another way to use my @magswitch_tech MagJigs. The idea is that less material for the trim bit to chew through means an easier cut, and less chance for kick-back in the process. The real test will be next, on a batch of serving boards…
*I used a F1201 Compression Spiral Flush Trim Bit from @zahyox.tools. At 1/2” it’s beefier than 1/4” trim bits but not too big, very well balanced. I found that it can be run at a higher speed and is more nimble for contoured shape trimming.
#magswitch #bandsawguidejig #bandsawtemplateguide #magswitch #magjig
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![I’ve seen a lot of different bandsaw cutting guides, the kind that allows you to use a template shape to create a very close rough cut on your workpiece which can then be trimmed smooth with a flush trim bit. It’s not a new idea, but yet another way to use my @magswitch_tech MagJigs. The idea is that less material for the trim bit to chew through means an easier cut, and less chance for kick-back in the process. The real test will be next, on a batch of serving boards…
*I used a F1201 Compression Spiral Flush Trim Bit from @zahyox.tools. At 1/2” it’s beefier than 1/4” trim bits but not too big, very well balanced. I found that it can be run at a higher speed and is more nimble for contoured shape trimming.
#magswitch #bandsawguidejig #bandsawtemplateguide #magswitch #magjig
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
This is how we make castle joints for a rustic table base, with round and uneven cedar logs — using a simple jig and the bandsaw
#cedartablebase #cedar #cedarlogs #redcedar #rustictable #rustictablebase #castlejoint #rusticfurniture
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![This is how we make castle joints for a rustic table base, with round and uneven cedar logs — using a simple jig and the bandsaw
#cedartablebase #cedar #cedarlogs #redcedar #rustictable #rustictablebase #castlejoint #rusticfurniture
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Anyone that works with wood knows the constant struggle with sawdust that’s spewed by almost every tool we use. At the bare minimum, safety glasses and an effective mask should be standard gear. With the amount of dust and debris I get exposed to on a regular basis, I purchased a CleanAir HEPA PAPR System from @pekesafety a while back and it’s now an essential part of my toolkit when a lot of sawdust is involved. The original Unimask in my kit was smaller and lighter but the new Omnira Helmet they recently sent me is a serious upgrade. It’s designed according to the Z87+ impact rating, which means that it meets or exceeds the safety standards outlined in ANSI/ISEA Z87.1. Numbers and certifications aside, it’s maker armor.
I put it to the test on a very dirty job, cleaning and prepping an old red cedar log for some rustic table legs. If you know cedar like I know cedar, the sawdust is nasty stuff, whether it gets in your eyes or lungs (all sawdust is). And using an angle grinder with an aggressive carving head (a Holey Galahad from @kingarthurstools), kicks up a lot of it! The large face shield is great protection against the flying debris while keeping your view wide and clear. I like that the air hose is neatly tucked away behind you to keep the large helmet well balanced. One great side effect of using the mask on hot days like we’ve been having lately, is that the forced air circulation that swirls clean air around your face not only keeps things from fogging up but also serves as a bit of air conditioning!
In collaboration with @pekesafety, you can get $25 off on your own CleanAir HEPA + Omnira PAPR using the code MOUNTAIN25
https://pekesafety.com/collections/best-sellers/products/cleanair-hepa-papr-system?variant=47907200205093
#cleanair #omnirahelmet #omnira #omnirapapr #cleanairhepa #pekesafety
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![Anyone that works with wood knows the constant struggle with sawdust that’s spewed by almost every tool we use. At the bare minimum, safety glasses and an effective mask should be standard gear. With the amount of dust and debris I get exposed to on a regular basis, I purchased a CleanAir HEPA PAPR System from @pekesafety a while back and it’s now an essential part of my toolkit when a lot of sawdust is involved. The original Unimask in my kit was smaller and lighter but the new Omnira Helmet they recently sent me is a serious upgrade. It’s designed according to the Z87+ impact rating, which means that it meets or exceeds the safety standards outlined in ANSI/ISEA Z87.1. Numbers and certifications aside, it’s maker armor.
I put it to the test on a very dirty job, cleaning and prepping an old red cedar log for some rustic table legs. If you know cedar like I know cedar, the sawdust is nasty stuff, whether it gets in your eyes or lungs (all sawdust is). And using an angle grinder with an aggressive carving head (a Holey Galahad from @kingarthurstools), kicks up a lot of it! The large face shield is great protection against the flying debris while keeping your view wide and clear. I like that the air hose is neatly tucked away behind you to keep the large helmet well balanced. One great side effect of using the mask on hot days like we’ve been having lately, is that the forced air circulation that swirls clean air around your face not only keeps things from fogging up but also serves as a bit of air conditioning!
In collaboration with @pekesafety, you can get $25 off on your own CleanAir HEPA + Omnira PAPR using the code MOUNTAIN25
https://pekesafety.com/collections/best-sellers/products/cleanair-hepa-papr-system?variant=47907200205093
#cleanair #omnirahelmet #omnira #omnirapapr #cleanairhepa #pekesafety
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Our turntable prototype has a few tweaks — I modified the hardware pocket to accept different hardware for testing since we want something that turns smoothly and lasts! I used a @zahyox.tools 45 Degree V Bit with Carbide Inserts to add some chamfer details. It’s now 2” high and the top recess was made a touch deeper. Also, at the end of the video, you can catch a peek at a nice detail that I haven’t added to the new prototype yet.
#lazysusan #roundtable #turntable #revolvingtray #woodenbearing #woodenspinner #productdesign
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![Our turntable prototype has a few tweaks — I modified the hardware pocket to accept different hardware for testing since we want something that turns smoothly and lasts! I used a @zahyox.tools 45 Degree V Bit with Carbide Inserts to add some chamfer details. It’s now 2” high and the top recess was made a touch deeper. Also, at the end of the video, you can catch a peek at a nice detail that I haven’t added to the new prototype yet.
#lazysusan #roundtable #turntable #revolvingtray #woodenbearing #woodenspinner #productdesign
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
We inherited a beautiful line of products to add to our maker factory, like the previous batch of chevron boards, which were designed by another maker in the family. This batch of round serving boards follows that up. Of course, we had to add our own batch production techniques & touches to the mix, starting with an acrylic template to streamline the process. Speaking of family, we now officially have a third maker in the shop…
This product is made exclusively for a local partner. Please see the “partner products” link in our bio or go to https://mountainmakers.com/partner-products/ for more details on products like these.
#walnut #servingboard #cuttingboard #cheesboard #charcuterieboard
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![We inherited a beautiful line of products to add to our maker factory, like the previous batch of chevron boards, which were designed by another maker in the family. This batch of round serving boards follows that up. Of course, we had to add our own batch production techniques & touches to the mix, starting with an acrylic template to streamline the process. Speaking of family, we now officially have a third maker in the shop…
This product is made exclusively for a local partner. Please see the “partner products” link in our bio or go to https://mountainmakers.com/partner-products/ for more details on products like these.
#walnut #servingboard #cuttingboard #cheesboard #charcuterieboard
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
I made the decision to cut curved joints to blend these slabs together into a table top. Now I’m committed and will need a lot of practice on scrap wood before I can comfortably make the real cuts. I learned that it’s not as simple as making a single cut to make matching templates, since the thickness of the cutter, or kerf, removes material in its path, leaving gaps between the pieces. So, you to use a technique that compensate for the material that the cutter takes away.
#walnuttable #figurewalnut #bookmatchedslabs #slabtable #curvedjoint #complementaryjoints #complementarycurves
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![I made the decision to cut curved joints to blend these slabs together into a table top. Now I’m committed and will need a lot of practice on scrap wood before I can comfortably make the real cuts. I learned that it’s not as simple as making a single cut to make matching templates, since the thickness of the cutter, or kerf, removes material in its path, leaving gaps between the pieces. So, you to use a technique that compensate for the material that the cutter takes away.
#walnuttable #figurewalnut #bookmatchedslabs #slabtable #curvedjoint #complementaryjoints #complementarycurves
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Chevron style cutting board production - Part 2
This product is made exclusively for a local partner. Please see the “partner products” link in our bio or go to https://mountainmakers.com/partner-products/ for more details on products like these.
#walnut #redoak #oak #poplar #chevron #chevronboard #cuttingboard
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![Chevron style cutting board production - Part 2
This product is made exclusively for a local partner. Please see the “partner products” link in our bio or go to https://mountainmakers.com/partner-products/ for more details on products like these.
#walnut #redoak #oak #poplar #chevron #chevronboard #cuttingboard
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Chevron style cutting board production - Part 1
This product is made exclusively for a local partner. Please see the “partner products” link in our bio or go to https://mountainmakers.com/partner-products/ for more details on products like these.
#walnut #redoak #oak #poplar #chevron #chevronboard #cuttingboard
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![Chevron style cutting board production - Part 1
This product is made exclusively for a local partner. Please see the “partner products” link in our bio or go to https://mountainmakers.com/partner-products/ for more details on products like these.
#walnut #redoak #oak #poplar #chevron #chevronboard #cuttingboard
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Check this out: it’s the coolest fire pit in the courtyard over at @gracehillfineartandbasketry (it’s a Manta Ray fire bowl from @woodlanddirect). Since it also needed a cool cover, Kathy gave me the opportunity to practice some new plasma cutting techniques, like how to cut a large circle in 14 gauge steel when it won’t fit on your plasma table. No problem. I just made a circle cutting jig using a super strong @magswitch_tech Magjig and a sacrificial piece of wood for the rotating arm. Now we just need some finishing touches!
If you’re in the Townsend, TN area, stop in to check out this incredible new art gallery and studio. There are some truly unique and wonderful products that will provide a feast for your eyes!
Located next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
110 Mountain Ave., Townsend, Tennessee 37882
#gracehillfineartandbasketry #gracehillart #sheppardbrackets #floatingshelves #kathyjanke
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts
![Check this out: it’s the coolest fire pit in the courtyard over at @gracehillfineartandbasketry (it’s a Manta Ray fire bowl from @woodlanddirect). Since it also needed a cool cover, Kathy gave me the opportunity to practice some new plasma cutting techniques, like how to cut a large circle in 14 gauge steel when it won’t fit on your plasma table. No problem. I just made a circle cutting jig using a super strong @magswitch_tech Magjig and a sacrificial piece of wood for the rotating arm. Now we just need some finishing touches!
If you’re in the Townsend, TN area, stop in to check out this incredible new art gallery and studio. There are some truly unique and wonderful products that will provide a feast for your eyes!
Located next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
110 Mountain Ave., Townsend, Tennessee 37882
#gracehillfineartandbasketry #gracehillart #sheppardbrackets #floatingshelves #kathyjanke
#hybridartisan
#artisanwoodworks
#townsendtn
#maker
#makerlab
#littlegreenbarn
#greatsmokymountains
#peacefulsideofthesmokies
#customwoodwork
#shoplocal
#letsmakesomething
#makersgottamake
#makersgonnamake
#smallbatchmanufacturing
#smallscalemanufacturing
#woodenproducts](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
We design and produce a collection of unique partner products exclusively available through the links below.
Quick Rain & Sun test of maple bench protected with Clean Armor 705 exterior, UV cured finish
Quick Rain & Sun test of maple bench protected with Clean Armor 705 exterior, UV cured finish
Mountain Makers June 29, 2024 7:39 am
SpeTool Ranger Series W07020 Carbide Insert Flush Trim Bit
Mountain Makers September 10, 2023 11:52 am
Wooden Stool from rough pine log off cuts using timber framing hand tools
Mountain Makers June 30, 2023 10:13 am
Hybrid Spoilboard using Microjig Matchfit dovetails for conventional clamping AND vacuum hold down
Mountain Makers June 23, 2023 10:13 am
Live edge poplar stool (or small bench build) Part 2
Mountain Makers June 20, 2023 7:48 am
Copyright 2020 Mountain Makers | Local Woodworking & Maker Shop | Partner Products | Townsend TN
![Mountain Makers Horizontal Green Logo](https://mountainmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/mmlogo-1.png)