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33K views 89 replies 39 participants last post by  palaswood 
#1 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
 

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#2 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
free casters and nice wood. It's a good day.

Edit: and I have no idea on species.
 

Attachments

#3 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
Are they still casters if they don't swivel? makes me think its from a bedframe… A good day indeed!
 

Attachments

#4 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
From looking at the poures in the grain it looks like Oak.
Good score.
I have a trike with a basket on the back with two dog power when they pull (which is all the time).
 

Attachments

#5 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
Not sure what wood it is but I vote against Osage Orange (hedge) as it doesn't have pores like your wood has. It is VERY heavy and tight grained.
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
Thanks for the help gfadvm.
 

Attachments

#7 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).



When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).



I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!



(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.



I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.



I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.



Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:



Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
Hmmm…. looks a lot like the rubber wood you see in lots of imported stuff. (wood from rubber trees). I agree with gfadvm, I think it's not Osage.
 

Attachments

#8 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
Looks a ton like meranti/luan. It would be fairly lightweight if it is.

It's definitely not Osage Orange.
 

Attachments

#9 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
Found wood It's the best!!
 

Attachments

#10 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
I agree terry. Check out my blog posts for testament to that VERY FACT!
 

Attachments

#11 ·
Salvaged Mystery Wood

Hi Wood lovers - I came upon some "trash" wood with some casters attached (not sure what it once was) discarded in a dumpster behind a renovator's shop destined for the landfill, but fate would have other plans for it. The wood seemed in great shape with some good character beneath, so I rescued it, bundled it up, and rode it home on my bicycle (yes, thats right).

Wood Wood stain Bottle Hardwood Flooring


When I got it home and sanded it down, I was AMAZED at the figure of these boards. Problem is I couldn't figure out what species it is (see what I did there), and it soon drove me mad (not stark raving, but close).

Wood Wood stain Floor Composite material Flooring


I hand sanded down a portion of the most striking board to 400 grit and rubbed it lightly with Watco rejuvinating oil to show the gorgeous grain pattern. Wow!

Brown Wood Automotive tire Table Flooring


(**Pic above has been changed after I remembered I used an instagram filter on the previous one, which really doesnt help the identification process, sorry guys. This is the original image)

I became so caught up in identifying this wood, as some of you may have seen my forum topic on this, that I neglected the wood itself, leaving it in its gnarly found condition for weeks.

Everyone was really helpful on the forums: suggestions ranged from Black Locust/Honey Locust to Osage Orange or a tropical variety, Lauan (Meranti/Phillipine Mahogany). I'm not certain what it is and due to my discovery of this band of deep orange in another of the boards from the same lot, im now more confused. Recent comments suggest meranti/lauan, and rule out osage orange.

Water Wood Road surface Asphalt Flooring


I cleaned up another couple of boards to see that we may be dealing with 2 species of wood here anyway.

Brown Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring


I have it in my mind to turn this into a tabletop. I'm really excited to get a replacement hook & loop pad for the Makita 5" orbital sander (it fell apart on me one early summer afternoon, it was quite old), and the Black & Decker sandstorm locked up (don't buy this POS), so I did it all by hand.

Hand sanding, if you're not used to it, is a great workout. Make sure your doors and windows are open, for dust sure, but more because you WILL be sweating. But I did notice a distinct lack of gouges in the wood from using the power tools to sand, and I was pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Brown Wood Grey Flooring Floor


Check out the wavy grain pattern - I was so stoked to uncover this:

Grey Wood Tints and shades Pattern Wool


Stay tuned for further progress, and PLEASE, if you have a definitive answer as to what species I may be dealing with, let me know.

-Joseph, Lake Forest, CA
I agree with Rubber Wood. Looks just like my kitchen table (made in Vietnam).
 

Attachments

#12 ·
Reclaimed Construction Lumber Bench

So I'm working on another project: I have some various pieces of what I believe is Douglas Fir, some 4Ă—4x4 posts, shorter 4Ă—4 pieces and a nice Pine slab (I think, could be Fir as well) from a construction project nearby that was advertised as "free firewood" after they were done pouring the concrete, & why you would wanna burn such great wood, I'll never know.

I set the slab up on some 12 inch 4Ă—4s to get a feel for how it might look.

Wood Ruler Office ruler Rectangle Wood stain


I've hand-sanded the posts to 400 grit (started with 80 > 120/150 > 220 > 320 > 400) and applied a couple coats of tung oil (steel wool in between applications). I plan on putting on at least 4 more coats, but we'll see how it comes out.

These posts have great character and seem quite old. One even has some great burn marks as if it was in a fire previously.

Wood Floor Rectangle Flooring Wood stain


The color and figure of what will be the bench seat really pleases me. This is without the flash, for a more true representation of the color. (although its blurry)

Wood Table Flooring Wood stain Hardwood


I'd like to use this bench in the backyard patio, so I may need to look into waterproofing it. Will Tung Oil do that for me? Please someone comment on that, if you know how many coats i'll need or if i need a sealer too. I have Danish oil too (Watco).

I'm gonna be going for a chunky, simplistic design. I want it to be rock solid and yet actually quite comfortable.

I'm wondering if I should slant the bench seat back, about 7 degrees, for comfort. We shall see. Any ideas?
 

Attachments

#13 ·
Reclaimed Construction Lumber Bench

So I'm working on another project: I have some various pieces of what I believe is Douglas Fir, some 4Ă—4x4 posts, shorter 4Ă—4 pieces and a nice Pine slab (I think, could be Fir as well) from a construction project nearby that was advertised as "free firewood" after they were done pouring the concrete, & why you would wanna burn such great wood, I'll never know.

I set the slab up on some 12 inch 4Ă—4s to get a feel for how it might look.

Wood Ruler Office ruler Rectangle Wood stain


I've hand-sanded the posts to 400 grit (started with 80 > 120/150 > 220 > 320 > 400) and applied a couple coats of tung oil (steel wool in between applications). I plan on putting on at least 4 more coats, but we'll see how it comes out.

These posts have great character and seem quite old. One even has some great burn marks as if it was in a fire previously.

Wood Floor Rectangle Flooring Wood stain


The color and figure of what will be the bench seat really pleases me. This is without the flash, for a more true representation of the color. (although its blurry)

Wood Table Flooring Wood stain Hardwood


I'd like to use this bench in the backyard patio, so I may need to look into waterproofing it. Will Tung Oil do that for me? Please someone comment on that, if you know how many coats i'll need or if i need a sealer too. I have Danish oil too (Watco).

I'm gonna be going for a chunky, simplistic design. I want it to be rock solid and yet actually quite comfortable.

I'm wondering if I should slant the bench seat back, about 7 degrees, for comfort. We shall see. Any ideas?
From what I've seen comfort has a lot to do with getting the seat height correct. Find a chair that feels comfortable to you and borrow the dimensions from that. Height, slant, etc.

May want to look into Thompson's water seal deck sealant for water proofing. It won't be 100% water proof, and will need to be refreshed occasionally, but will probably do that trick.
 

Attachments

#17 ·
Will found oak ladder lead to new heights of woodworking adventure? Lets find out

Riding home I came upon a discarded solid oak ladder from a nice bunk bed bed I'm sure. ( I love Orange County).

Plant Sky Bicycle Wheel Tire


I parked the the bike to inspect it closer

Plant Natural material Wood Rectangle Grass


It was super heavy but I managed to balance it on my handlebars and ride it home. (not my first rodeo)

Wood Floor Natural material Plank Wood stain


I got it onto my workbench and sanded down a section, put a lil oil on

Brown Table Wood Flooring Floor


The posts and rungs are laminated but all in all, not too shabby. gonna think about how to use the lumber here. The possibilites are ENDless…
 

Attachments

#18 ·
Will found oak ladder lead to new heights of woodworking adventure? Lets find out

Riding home I came upon a discarded solid oak ladder from a nice bunk bed bed I'm sure. ( I love Orange County).

Plant Sky Bicycle Wheel Tire


I parked the the bike to inspect it closer

Plant Natural material Wood Rectangle Grass


It was super heavy but I managed to balance it on my handlebars and ride it home. (not my first rodeo)

Wood Floor Natural material Plank Wood stain


I got it onto my workbench and sanded down a section, put a lil oil on

Brown Table Wood Flooring Floor


The posts and rungs are laminated but all in all, not too shabby. gonna think about how to use the lumber here. The possibilites are ENDless…
Great snag! That's got 'legs' written all over it. Legs for a table, legs for a bench. Could also be a good re-saw candidate into smaller lumber. Some of the pieces look like they have some quatersawn ray flecks.
 

Attachments

#21 ·
Workbench from reclaimed/salvaged lumber - mounting a face vise

I got started in woodworking about six months ago when I brought home a small log that was cut from a much bigger log off a black mulberry tree down the street that has fallen apart due to age, its own weight and who knows what else (but yields gobs of incredibly sweet fruit)

As I stripped the bark and saw what was inside, I was mezmerized. This is a very old tree and yielded gorgeous wood.

Plant Wood Natural material Trunk Tree


One thing led to another, and I began in earnest to amass a hoard of wood from anywhere I could find it. I soon became known as "Project Guy" by the guys down at Ace hardware cause I was in there several times a week getting tools to get my feet wet, (though not the wood, because as my Grandpa used to say, "Water on wood makes wood no good.")

I quickly realized I needed a workbench, but long before I introduced myself to Paul Sellers or Christopher Schwarz, I watched this video by Steve Ramsey on how to build a simple workbench. Hey, it got me started, and the rest, I hope, will be history.

I found some silvered old 2Ă—4s out back in the greenbelt behind our community. Lugged them home, extracted all nails, and then planed them flat(ish) with my Ace hardware 7" block plane

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Flooring Plywood


(my first hand plane)

Wood Floor Bumper Flooring Automotive exterior


I cut a 24" x 36" (i think) section out of a 1-1/8" 4Ă—8 sheet of plywood I had in the garage, and the rest is salvaged 2Ă—4s from a concrete pour near my work that I scooped up before somone could burn them as the "free firewood" as which they were being offered.

I sanded down the plywood and gave it 3 or 4 coats of Watco Danish Oil, letting it dry and sanding between coats.
Then glued, screwed and clamped the top together before adding the legs.

Wood Floor Composite material Rectangle Flooring


I lightly sanded the 2Ă—4s and glued/screwed those together, then mounted them onto the benchtop.

Wood Gas Composite material Flooring Concrete


Now I had a bench. It isn't much, and I still need to add some stretchers for stability and heft as when I really put some effort into my work, it does slide around a bit.

Table Wood Road surface Flooring Floor


But I have gotten some great use out of it these past months: It was temporarily my Lathe Stand (CL special of a HF lathe, $80)

Table Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood


Check out the sycamore handle I turned from a small 3in dia log for my roughing gouge after the handle fell off of it.

Wood Rolling pin Baseball bat Tool Mallet


Okay, I'm doing it again. FOCUS JOSEPH! We're talking about the Workbench here…

So now, months later, I've decided to finish it up. Im expecting a Stanley T13, #4 in a few days I picked up along with a Stanley Handyman off ebay, BIN $25 for both, so I'm gonna mount a vise I got a couple months back but never mounted it (you guys seeing a pattern of procrastination here?).

Here is the section I'm gluing up tonight that I'm going to use to build up the space under the bench to sink the rear jaw into. The top and bottom pieces are clamps. (I need some new clamps…)

Tire Wood Wheel Tool Household supply


I'll keep y'all posted, as there is lots more to come…
 

Attachments

#22 ·
Workbench from reclaimed/salvaged lumber - mounting a face vise

I got started in woodworking about six months ago when I brought home a small log that was cut from a much bigger log off a black mulberry tree down the street that has fallen apart due to age, its own weight and who knows what else (but yields gobs of incredibly sweet fruit)

As I stripped the bark and saw what was inside, I was mezmerized. This is a very old tree and yielded gorgeous wood.

Plant Wood Natural material Trunk Tree


One thing led to another, and I began in earnest to amass a hoard of wood from anywhere I could find it. I soon became known as "Project Guy" by the guys down at Ace hardware cause I was in there several times a week getting tools to get my feet wet, (though not the wood, because as my Grandpa used to say, "Water on wood makes wood no good.")

I quickly realized I needed a workbench, but long before I introduced myself to Paul Sellers or Christopher Schwarz, I watched this video by Steve Ramsey on how to build a simple workbench. Hey, it got me started, and the rest, I hope, will be history.

I found some silvered old 2Ă—4s out back in the greenbelt behind our community. Lugged them home, extracted all nails, and then planed them flat(ish) with my Ace hardware 7" block plane

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Flooring Plywood


(my first hand plane)

Wood Floor Bumper Flooring Automotive exterior


I cut a 24" x 36" (i think) section out of a 1-1/8" 4Ă—8 sheet of plywood I had in the garage, and the rest is salvaged 2Ă—4s from a concrete pour near my work that I scooped up before somone could burn them as the "free firewood" as which they were being offered.

I sanded down the plywood and gave it 3 or 4 coats of Watco Danish Oil, letting it dry and sanding between coats.
Then glued, screwed and clamped the top together before adding the legs.

Wood Floor Composite material Rectangle Flooring


I lightly sanded the 2Ă—4s and glued/screwed those together, then mounted them onto the benchtop.

Wood Gas Composite material Flooring Concrete


Now I had a bench. It isn't much, and I still need to add some stretchers for stability and heft as when I really put some effort into my work, it does slide around a bit.

Table Wood Road surface Flooring Floor


But I have gotten some great use out of it these past months: It was temporarily my Lathe Stand (CL special of a HF lathe, $80)

Table Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood


Check out the sycamore handle I turned from a small 3in dia log for my roughing gouge after the handle fell off of it.

Wood Rolling pin Baseball bat Tool Mallet


Okay, I'm doing it again. FOCUS JOSEPH! We're talking about the Workbench here…

So now, months later, I've decided to finish it up. Im expecting a Stanley T13, #4 in a few days I picked up along with a Stanley Handyman off ebay, BIN $25 for both, so I'm gonna mount a vise I got a couple months back but never mounted it (you guys seeing a pattern of procrastination here?).

Here is the section I'm gluing up tonight that I'm going to use to build up the space under the bench to sink the rear jaw into. The top and bottom pieces are clamps. (I need some new clamps…)

Tire Wood Wheel Tool Household supply


I'll keep y'all posted, as there is lots more to come…
And so it begins, another case of workbench madness!! Keep at it.
PS planed 2×4's w/block plane….dedication for sure. You may want to find a #5, much bigger and makes for a flatter board. Then a #7, then a #8,a #............ etc, etc
 

Attachments

#26 ·
Hand Plane Madness (its a real thing)

My first hand plane(s) arrived yesterday. A Stanely no 4C t13, and a handyman.

I quickly put them to a test on a discarded pine 4×4 covered in paint. Handyman took off the paint, and after a few strokes with the no4 the wood just glistened…

Smoothing plane Plane Scrub plane Block plane Jack plane
 

Attachments

#27 ·
Hand Plane Madness (its a real thing)

My first hand plane(s) arrived yesterday. A Stanely no 4C t13, and a handyman.

I quickly put them to a test on a discarded pine 4×4 covered in paint. Handyman took off the paint, and after a few strokes with the no4 the wood just glistened…

Smoothing plane Plane Scrub plane Block plane Jack plane
I see you have a broken cheek on the plane in the photo. I have a Stanley no. 5 like that and it prefers perfectly well.
 

Attachments

#29 ·
Breaking down a hardwood pallet - (Rubberwood?)

The other night I spied with my little wood-crazed eyes, a pallet with exceptional color and figure that is the same wood as I had salvaged from a disassembled dolly of sorts in topic: What species is this?? Wood Identification help

Here is what i saw that piqued my interest:

Wood Hardwood Flooring Wood stain Door


So I went shopping the following day on my lunch break to that big orange Home Center, and came away with some great tools for breaking down this pallet. (reviews forthcoming, they all performed awesomely)

Hand tool Metalworking hand tool Tool Wood Gas


With these three tools, a 16oz HDX claw hammer, Dewalt 10 inch claw bar (nail puller), and the Stanley Wonder bar (crowbar), I began my deconstruction.

First I had to learn how to use the tools, but with a few missteps and using the trial and error method, i discovered the most efficient and safe way (after splitting some boards) to pry off the boards.

Brown Wood Rectangle Flooring Hardwood


My method: Hammer in the wonder bar, then using a sharp, jerking motion (loosens nails, but minimizes wood damage), pry the board loose, changing angles often. Slow pressure only seems to crack the wood more, and doesn't loosen the nails as well as sharp but controlled prying motions.

Wood Gas Composite material Tints and shades Tool


I would then hammer it back in using a piece of wood (that had previously snapped off unfortunately during the trial and error phase) to get the nail heads to poke out a bit
Fluid Wood Gas Metal Concrete


Brown Wood Trunk Parasite Metal


Then its time for the Dewalt claw bar to do its thing. Love this little guy.
Automotive tire Crankset Wood Bicycle part Bicycle chain


After quite a while, with the sun setting, I got the bottom boards off.
Wood Rectangle Hardwood Wood stain Plywood


Prying off the square blocks took most of the effort, and it was tough work, so I guess that's why I didn't take any pictures of that process.

The board without the blocks. The little nail nubs were the biggest problem, see next paragraph.
Wood Floor Flooring Wood stain Plank


The nails were actually bent over and pounded in on the other side (Oh Great! i thought). But I found a nifty way with the DeWalt claw bar, using the "teeth", to twist the nail up a bit so I could get under it with the whole "tooth", and using a torquing motion, erect the nail so the board would slip off when using the pry bar. GENIUS!

Once I discovered this, it was only a matter of time. Using the pry bar, I pretty easily separated the rest of the boards and I was left with a pile of gnarled wood with nails sticking out every which way. I did however feel a great sense of accomplishment (but boy did my back hurt!)

Wood Office ruler Tape measure Tool Hand tool


The tools served me very well, and I was extremely pleased with them. I'm satisfied that I chose the right tools for the job (future pallets beware!).

Hand tool Tool Metalworking hand tool Geologist's hammer Stonemason's hammer


I cannot believe that a pine pallet would give me even 1/4 the trouble that this one did. The wood is extremely hard, and the nails just didnt want to budge. Compounded with the fact that the incredibly cheap nails fell apart half the time, the head bending or popping clean off when trying to pull it.

Here is one cool looking block after a really quick sand with 80 > 100 > 150 grit. (using flash).

Brown Wood Rectangle Artifact Bedrock


I'm excited (as always) to see how this haul will clean up and I'm on vacation next week from work, so hopefully i can find the time to begin to put this FREE lumber to use. Nail holes be damned, I kinda like the look and the story that goes along with the final finished piece (whatever it becomes) only adds to my enjoyment of it all and the history of the piece.

Stay tuned …
 

Attachments

#30 ·
Breaking down a hardwood pallet - (Rubberwood?)

The other night I spied with my little wood-crazed eyes, a pallet with exceptional color and figure that is the same wood as I had salvaged from a disassembled dolly of sorts in topic: What species is this?? Wood Identification help

Here is what i saw that piqued my interest:

Wood Hardwood Flooring Wood stain Door


So I went shopping the following day on my lunch break to that big orange Home Center, and came away with some great tools for breaking down this pallet. (reviews forthcoming, they all performed awesomely)

Hand tool Metalworking hand tool Tool Wood Gas


With these three tools, a 16oz HDX claw hammer, Dewalt 10 inch claw bar (nail puller), and the Stanley Wonder bar (crowbar), I began my deconstruction.

First I had to learn how to use the tools, but with a few missteps and using the trial and error method, i discovered the most efficient and safe way (after splitting some boards) to pry off the boards.

Brown Wood Rectangle Flooring Hardwood


My method: Hammer in the wonder bar, then using a sharp, jerking motion (loosens nails, but minimizes wood damage), pry the board loose, changing angles often. Slow pressure only seems to crack the wood more, and doesn't loosen the nails as well as sharp but controlled prying motions.

Wood Gas Composite material Tints and shades Tool


I would then hammer it back in using a piece of wood (that had previously snapped off unfortunately during the trial and error phase) to get the nail heads to poke out a bit
Fluid Wood Gas Metal Concrete


Brown Wood Trunk Parasite Metal


Then its time for the Dewalt claw bar to do its thing. Love this little guy.
Automotive tire Crankset Wood Bicycle part Bicycle chain


After quite a while, with the sun setting, I got the bottom boards off.
Wood Rectangle Hardwood Wood stain Plywood


Prying off the square blocks took most of the effort, and it was tough work, so I guess that's why I didn't take any pictures of that process.

The board without the blocks. The little nail nubs were the biggest problem, see next paragraph.
Wood Floor Flooring Wood stain Plank


The nails were actually bent over and pounded in on the other side (Oh Great! i thought). But I found a nifty way with the DeWalt claw bar, using the "teeth", to twist the nail up a bit so I could get under it with the whole "tooth", and using a torquing motion, erect the nail so the board would slip off when using the pry bar. GENIUS!

Once I discovered this, it was only a matter of time. Using the pry bar, I pretty easily separated the rest of the boards and I was left with a pile of gnarled wood with nails sticking out every which way. I did however feel a great sense of accomplishment (but boy did my back hurt!)

Wood Office ruler Tape measure Tool Hand tool


The tools served me very well, and I was extremely pleased with them. I'm satisfied that I chose the right tools for the job (future pallets beware!).

Hand tool Tool Metalworking hand tool Geologist's hammer Stonemason's hammer


I cannot believe that a pine pallet would give me even 1/4 the trouble that this one did. The wood is extremely hard, and the nails just didnt want to budge. Compounded with the fact that the incredibly cheap nails fell apart half the time, the head bending or popping clean off when trying to pull it.

Here is one cool looking block after a really quick sand with 80 > 100 > 150 grit. (using flash).

Brown Wood Rectangle Artifact Bedrock


I'm excited (as always) to see how this haul will clean up and I'm on vacation next week from work, so hopefully i can find the time to begin to put this FREE lumber to use. Nail holes be damned, I kinda like the look and the story that goes along with the final finished piece (whatever it becomes) only adds to my enjoyment of it all and the history of the piece.

Stay tuned …
Great find. That's some beautiful wood.
I've broken down some pallets myself and I know those twist nails are a bugger to release. Looking forward to the project.
 

Attachments

#40 ·
Reclaimed pine strip panel made with hand tools

After coming across a glue up thread yesterday, I was inspired to glue up a panel.
I didnt take any pics of the actual glue up last night (DOH), but here is a panel I threw together with some reclaimed pine scraps I've been picking up every so often at random.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Table Flooring


I ran the handyman H1205 over the edges on the really rough pieces, then the block plane took out some knots, and finished with the #4 Stanley T13, which is cutting like butter after some tuning and filing down a ding at the top of the chipbreaker that was causing some trouble. Edge glued two strips together (2 at a time), and 30 mins later glued on another strip to each. This morning I glued those together, now 6 strips in the panel.

Wood Table Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


After the clamps came off, I took the backsaw and cut off the protruding ends & ran the #4 over it some more to get it smooth.

After flattening both sides, more or less, and running late for work, I just hit it with some 400 grit and threw a bit of tung oil on to see what I was working with.

Brown Water Amber Wood Flooring


This is my first time ever gluing up a panel, and I finally made use of 4 bar clamps I got off CL awhile ago, plus all my other clamps (I need more clamps!!). The #4 actually did a good job as a jointer for these tiny pieces.
I just used some of the scrap pine I have been hoarding in the garage, and I'm happy with the glue lines, so overall I'm stoked.

I'm thinking of using it for the base of a tool tote which I desperately need, but it may be too small.
I'll finish up the edges tonight. Or perhaps add some additional pieces to give it more width.
 

Attachments

#41 ·
Salvaged pine 2x2s rescued

I have a serious problem with seeing great wood go to the dump (and a serious wood hoarding problem). I found these 2Ă—2s in the trash behind my favorite property maintenance shop. Nineteen pieces all between 12 and 15 inches long. Some will have to be considerably planed down.

They told me they want me to make them into a side table. No really.

Wood Rectangle Road surface Flooring Tints and shades


Sshhh, quiet for a second. What's that?

Now they're telling me thanks for coming to their rescue. I think today is trash day.
 

Attachments

#42 ·
Salvaged pine 2x2s rescued

I have a serious problem with seeing great wood go to the dump (and a serious wood hoarding problem). I found these 2Ă—2s in the trash behind my favorite property maintenance shop. Nineteen pieces all between 12 and 15 inches long. Some will have to be considerably planed down.

They told me they want me to make them into a side table. No really.

Wood Rectangle Road surface Flooring Tints and shades


Sshhh, quiet for a second. What's that?

Now they're telling me thanks for coming to their rescue. I think today is trash day.
If its wood worth saving, its wood worth saving.
 

Attachments

#44 ·
Oak railing scored - now what on Earth am I going to do with it....

I recovered some oak just now on my lunch break, from a railing like you see at the top of a stairway (not along the stairs itself). Solid oak with holes for the balusters, which I removed. Im curious how to use it.

I rounded the corner back behind some of the buildings in the business park, and to my surprise, there is a trash truck about to dump a full dumpster with this on top. I rushed over and grabbed it off before he did. I also got some small scraps of oak and hardwood (cherry I think, largest is 1Ă—3x12)

Bicycle Bicycle tire Bicycles--Equipment and supplies Bicycle frame Automotive tire


I'm gonna check back after work to see if they are still there, and maybe them up and try to get those home as well.

I'm on a bicycle, so it's tough, but I always seem to manage.

Any ideas what to use it for LJs?
 

Attachments

#45 ·
Oak railing scored - now what on Earth am I going to do with it....

I recovered some oak just now on my lunch break, from a railing like you see at the top of a stairway (not along the stairs itself). Solid oak with holes for the balusters, which I removed. Im curious how to use it.

I rounded the corner back behind some of the buildings in the business park, and to my surprise, there is a trash truck about to dump a full dumpster with this on top. I rushed over and grabbed it off before he did. I also got some small scraps of oak and hardwood (cherry I think, largest is 1Ă—3x12)

Bicycle Bicycle tire Bicycles--Equipment and supplies Bicycle frame Automotive tire


I'm gonna check back after work to see if they are still there, and maybe them up and try to get those home as well.

I'm on a bicycle, so it's tough, but I always seem to manage.

Any ideas what to use it for LJs?
mounted horizontally it might make for a cool bar top edge
 

Attachments

#52 ·
Rescued a lonely solid Oak side table with a broken leg - Patch him up? or Cannabalize?

Made my rounds today after work, and came up short on all fronts, until I decided to hit a spot that usually yields nothing but a few nuts n bolts, although those are nice (but I have so many now). But alas, someone threw out this solid oak side table with one leg broken off about 8 inches up.

Table Wood Outdoor furniture Chair Rectangle


Its a shame I didnt find the leg piece…

So whats the plan LJs? Do I try to repair this little guy, it would make a solid little table - its all oak construction. And I did bring home some oak scraps from a railing a couple days ago…

OR, should I use the tabletop and shelf for another project? If so, what would these smallish panels be good for?

I guess the top looks to be about 18Ă—24, but I havent measured it.

Always interested in hearing your thoughts…

And as always, rode this home on my bicycle (uphill no less) :)
 

Attachments

#53 ·
Rescued a lonely solid Oak side table with a broken leg - Patch him up? or Cannabalize?

Made my rounds today after work, and came up short on all fronts, until I decided to hit a spot that usually yields nothing but a few nuts n bolts, although those are nice (but I have so many now). But alas, someone threw out this solid oak side table with one leg broken off about 8 inches up.

Table Wood Outdoor furniture Chair Rectangle


Its a shame I didnt find the leg piece…

So whats the plan LJs? Do I try to repair this little guy, it would make a solid little table - its all oak construction. And I did bring home some oak scraps from a railing a couple days ago…

OR, should I use the tabletop and shelf for another project? If so, what would these smallish panels be good for?

I guess the top looks to be about 18Ă—24, but I havent measured it.

Always interested in hearing your thoughts…

And as always, rode this home on my bicycle (uphill no less) :)
I'd say a repair at that location wouldn't be strong enough to hold, but to replace the leg… that's another story if you can pull it off. (pun intended… hah!)

Always good to see furniture pieces (and old tools) get new life; go for it, we'll be watching!
 

Attachments

#58 ·
Hardwood score - Poplar & Cherry galore

I hit the jackpot last night on my salvage rounds.

I've been frequently checking the discarded cutoffs behind an office furniture maker near my workplace, where I have found small, scrap pieces of cherry (some long, skinny pieces too, but nothing spectacular). Well last night I hit the mother lode (as far as I'm concerned anyway). Mostly poplar and american cherry, some clear pine and a flat, thin piece of mahogany (i think).

Wood Fish Human leg Bumper Art


I bound it up really well with twisted wire and tied it up with paper, then covered it with wrap - it wasnt goin nowhere.

Wood Sculpture Art Tree Statue


It was a bit of a pain to actually unwrap it. But since i had to carry this home on my bicycle, I wanted it to be secure as possible. It was a breeze to get home, just balanced it on the handlebars as always (gettin quite good at that these days).

Wood Grass Flooring Natural material Hardwood


I needed to bust out the wire cutters too

Hood Pliers Wood Bicycle handlebar Bumper


Here is the haul, left to right, (all 3/4 in): a couple of T&G pieces (birch? no idea), 2x clear pine 1Ă—2s, 6x Poplar in assorted lengths & widths and 4 nice cherry pieces as well.

Wood Composite material Plank Hardwood Lumber


Wood Floor Wood stain Plank Building material


Got some nice lengths of cherry 1/2in x 1/2in x 4 feet or so as well, for trim.

Wood Wood stain Natural material Plank Hardwood


I was so stoked. I have been finding more and more hardwoods lately - mostly oak in various forms, but this was exciting for me. I dont live too near a lumberyard and I am limited to the distance I can travel by bicycle and to what I can carry on it, so that severely limits my sources of wood. Its such a treat to be blessed with free woods for nice projects other than the pine construction lumber I get most often. These will end up being Christmas presents possibly. I have some good ideas for lathe turned projects this year as well as small boxes as gifts.

Also got some various pieces: Thin piece of mahogany (I believe), a common pine board (at least its flat), a spalted piece of prefinished maple (?) ply (for the shooting board I wanna build), and a strange, cool unfinished walnut veneered mdf board I just couldnt leave behind.

Wood Rectangle Floor Natural material Hardwood


All together now:

Wood Hardwood Composite material Lumber Plank


I'm crazy. I know it. My girlfriend really thinks I'm nuts. You guys should see the mess of wood I have piled up in the shop aka salvage yard now (actually you shouldn't). I really was beginning to think I needed to start skipping looking for wood after work and just go straight home and actually make something instead, but I after this find I will be hard pressed to at least not take a little looksie. Can't hurt right?
 

Attachments

#59 ·
Hardwood score - Poplar & Cherry galore

I hit the jackpot last night on my salvage rounds.

I've been frequently checking the discarded cutoffs behind an office furniture maker near my workplace, where I have found small, scrap pieces of cherry (some long, skinny pieces too, but nothing spectacular). Well last night I hit the mother lode (as far as I'm concerned anyway). Mostly poplar and american cherry, some clear pine and a flat, thin piece of mahogany (i think).

Wood Fish Human leg Bumper Art


I bound it up really well with twisted wire and tied it up with paper, then covered it with wrap - it wasnt goin nowhere.

Wood Sculpture Art Tree Statue


It was a bit of a pain to actually unwrap it. But since i had to carry this home on my bicycle, I wanted it to be secure as possible. It was a breeze to get home, just balanced it on the handlebars as always (gettin quite good at that these days).

Wood Grass Flooring Natural material Hardwood


I needed to bust out the wire cutters too

Hood Pliers Wood Bicycle handlebar Bumper


Here is the haul, left to right, (all 3/4 in): a couple of T&G pieces (birch? no idea), 2x clear pine 1Ă—2s, 6x Poplar in assorted lengths & widths and 4 nice cherry pieces as well.

Wood Composite material Plank Hardwood Lumber


Wood Floor Wood stain Plank Building material


Got some nice lengths of cherry 1/2in x 1/2in x 4 feet or so as well, for trim.

Wood Wood stain Natural material Plank Hardwood


I was so stoked. I have been finding more and more hardwoods lately - mostly oak in various forms, but this was exciting for me. I dont live too near a lumberyard and I am limited to the distance I can travel by bicycle and to what I can carry on it, so that severely limits my sources of wood. Its such a treat to be blessed with free woods for nice projects other than the pine construction lumber I get most often. These will end up being Christmas presents possibly. I have some good ideas for lathe turned projects this year as well as small boxes as gifts.

Also got some various pieces: Thin piece of mahogany (I believe), a common pine board (at least its flat), a spalted piece of prefinished maple (?) ply (for the shooting board I wanna build), and a strange, cool unfinished walnut veneered mdf board I just couldnt leave behind.

Wood Rectangle Floor Natural material Hardwood


All together now:

Wood Hardwood Composite material Lumber Plank


I'm crazy. I know it. My girlfriend really thinks I'm nuts. You guys should see the mess of wood I have piled up in the shop aka salvage yard now (actually you shouldn't). I really was beginning to think I needed to start skipping looking for wood after work and just go straight home and actually make something instead, but I after this find I will be hard pressed to at least not take a little looksie. Can't hurt right?
Nice Finds !!! Some just have all the luck !!!
 

Attachments

#71 ·
This Oak Pallet is rough around the edges, like me!

This pallet caught my eye, as it had a bit of a different color to it than the other pallets you see so often.

Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Wood stain Flooring


After a quick spot sanding (I now keep 80 through 320 grit in my backpack for times such as these), I confirmed it was indeed solid freakin oak. Sad that it was getting tossed…

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Material property Composite material


Since it was going to the landfill, I carried it instead back to behind our companies parking lot until I can bring my pallet demolition tools to bear upon it.

Rectangle Wood Wood stain Plank Flooring


I would like to find a use for this in a workbench build, Oak is much sturdier than pine/fir.
But I figure no matter what I use it for, the tree felled to produce this lumber will be much better served as a useful piece of furniture than as firewood/compost.
 

Attachments

#72 ·
This Oak Pallet is rough around the edges, like me!

This pallet caught my eye, as it had a bit of a different color to it than the other pallets you see so often.

Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Wood stain Flooring


After a quick spot sanding (I now keep 80 through 320 grit in my backpack for times such as these), I confirmed it was indeed solid freakin oak. Sad that it was getting tossed…

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Material property Composite material


Since it was going to the landfill, I carried it instead back to behind our companies parking lot until I can bring my pallet demolition tools to bear upon it.

Rectangle Wood Wood stain Plank Flooring


I would like to find a use for this in a workbench build, Oak is much sturdier than pine/fir.
But I figure no matter what I use it for, the tree felled to produce this lumber will be much better served as a useful piece of furniture than as firewood/compost.
Nice save…
 

Attachments

#75 ·
From cabinetry cut-offs to Simple box and Cutting board (in progress)

I have a bunch of cut-offs from a local cabinet shop that deals mainly with Cherry but I also get a good amount of Poplar from there.

Shipping box Wood Floor Flooring Urban design


From the medium sized pieces (all 3/4"), I selected some nice poplar front and back, some cherry for the sides and I had one long board of Cherry that had a knot in the middle (so was discarded), and I simply cut the knot out and used each end for the top and bottom. It's 9Ă—4 x 3" high.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Rectangle


I just set them up, and eyeballed it for fit - seemed ok, this isnt fine woodworking to be sure! Just doing simple butt joints, I have so much scrap wood its more of a trial run to see what kind of joint I can get with just glue and clamps. Lots of clamps :)

Using titebond original. I'm gonna go with TB III next time, for the longer set up time.
Wood Machine Art Metal Guitar


Sanded it with Makita ROS 150 and hand sanded 220>320>400. A generous coat of Watco Danish Oil. It's due for another coat or two.

Wood Table Rectangle Bench Hardwood


I didnt hinge this box, just set the lid on top. I probably will hinge it though later on.

Rectangle Wood Flooring Wood stain Material property


It's sitting on my desk at work
Wood Rectangle Flooring Hardwood Wood stain


The cutting board (half of it anyway) came last night, from another pile of long skinny cut-offs of cherry.

Wood Rectangle Composite material Building material Tints and shades


Glued and Clamped - Damn this was a pain. I really need that Titebond III, took me forever to get it clamped up "straight". Gonna have a lot of planing to do once this dries.
Wood Wood stain Hardwood Auto part Varnish


Wood Hand tool Tool Metalworking hand tool Wood stain


This is how it looks after a quick planing and light sanding, and a teensy dash of Watco rejuvinating oil, for to see what im workin with (gonna sand it off later and put mineral oil probably).

Brown Wood Flooring Plank Natural material


I'm going for an abstract design, and i'll probably round out the edges, but who knows. This is whats great about playing with free scraps. It simply doesn't matter.

Brown Wood Wood stain Flooring Hardwood


Gonna glue up another half tonight and we'll see what happens. Basically just messin around
 

Attachments

#76 ·
From cabinetry cut-offs to Simple box and Cutting board (in progress)

I have a bunch of cut-offs from a local cabinet shop that deals mainly with Cherry but I also get a good amount of Poplar from there.

Shipping box Wood Floor Flooring Urban design


From the medium sized pieces (all 3/4"), I selected some nice poplar front and back, some cherry for the sides and I had one long board of Cherry that had a knot in the middle (so was discarded), and I simply cut the knot out and used each end for the top and bottom. It's 9Ă—4 x 3" high.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Rectangle


I just set them up, and eyeballed it for fit - seemed ok, this isnt fine woodworking to be sure! Just doing simple butt joints, I have so much scrap wood its more of a trial run to see what kind of joint I can get with just glue and clamps. Lots of clamps :)

Using titebond original. I'm gonna go with TB III next time, for the longer set up time.
Wood Machine Art Metal Guitar


Sanded it with Makita ROS 150 and hand sanded 220>320>400. A generous coat of Watco Danish Oil. It's due for another coat or two.

Wood Table Rectangle Bench Hardwood


I didnt hinge this box, just set the lid on top. I probably will hinge it though later on.

Rectangle Wood Flooring Wood stain Material property


It's sitting on my desk at work
Wood Rectangle Flooring Hardwood Wood stain


The cutting board (half of it anyway) came last night, from another pile of long skinny cut-offs of cherry.

Wood Rectangle Composite material Building material Tints and shades


Glued and Clamped - Damn this was a pain. I really need that Titebond III, took me forever to get it clamped up "straight". Gonna have a lot of planing to do once this dries.
Wood Wood stain Hardwood Auto part Varnish


Wood Hand tool Tool Metalworking hand tool Wood stain


This is how it looks after a quick planing and light sanding, and a teensy dash of Watco rejuvinating oil, for to see what im workin with (gonna sand it off later and put mineral oil probably).

Brown Wood Flooring Plank Natural material


I'm going for an abstract design, and i'll probably round out the edges, but who knows. This is whats great about playing with free scraps. It simply doesn't matter.

Brown Wood Wood stain Flooring Hardwood


Gonna glue up another half tonight and we'll see what happens. Basically just messin around
Nice work. Maybe some shop made cauls would help?
http://www.mikes-woodwork.com/Cauls.htm

Or, some store bought ones that also work well.
http://www.bowclamp.com/
 

Attachments

#78 ·
An Ode to Power Carving & Sculpting Reclaimed Furniture

Wood Natural material Wood stain Hardwood Ingredient


I have been dragging home interesting logs I come across in the woods from time to time over this past year, and I have amassed a sizeable little pile (ok not little at all!). Thing is, without a huge bandsaw or a chainsaw mill, processing the wood into lumber is a task hardly worth the enormous effort. I know, I've tried.

I recently looked into power carving for the first time as a quick and creative way to make use of my …inventory, lets call it.
With an investment of only about $30 dollars I just got my first taste, and I must say, it's DELICIOUS.

The angle grinder was a Harbor Frieght coupon deal ($10) and the Carbide Cup wheel (medium grit) from Altcut was only $15 or so, plus shipping. They work GREAT together. The teeth gnaw away at the wood, removing quite a lot of material with each swipe.I'm finding 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch can be removed on each pass on hard, dry, old black mulberry - the same log that gave my chainsaw fits and glazed over forming glass-like, impenetrable kerf walls.

Table Wood Electrical wiring Gas Hardwood


I'm in the middle of a shop renovation/spring cleaning, and need more storage space and a place to sit, so I hastily glued up a bench from reclaimed construction lumber, using just glue, countersunk screws and a poplar dowel for plugs. Legs are redwood I think (very soft & light), and the top is douglas fir, reclaimed from a concrete pour last summer near my work. It was set out as free firewood.

Being impatient as I am, I just couldnt wait to put my economy power carving setup to the test, so I only plugged one corner and the glue was still drying as I started carving. I had to bring out the Porter Cable ROS and shine it up to 220, then quickly hand sanded to 800, and threw on some BLO to see whats what before racing off to still be late to work (gotta pay those pesky bills). But I'm pleased with my first test. Quite pleased. I can't wait to get home in fact. I can smell the sawdust now…

Natural material Wood Hardwood Wood stain Varnish


This really opens up my options and lets my creative juices flow. A simple way to meld my artistic side, I used to love to carve and sculpt be it plaster of paris, clay, wax or Play-Doh, with my newfound woodworking skills.

Stay tuned.. More to come…
 

Attachments

#79 ·
An Ode to Power Carving & Sculpting Reclaimed Furniture

Wood Natural material Wood stain Hardwood Ingredient


I have been dragging home interesting logs I come across in the woods from time to time over this past year, and I have amassed a sizeable little pile (ok not little at all!). Thing is, without a huge bandsaw or a chainsaw mill, processing the wood into lumber is a task hardly worth the enormous effort. I know, I've tried.

I recently looked into power carving for the first time as a quick and creative way to make use of my …inventory, lets call it.
With an investment of only about $30 dollars I just got my first taste, and I must say, it's DELICIOUS.

The angle grinder was a Harbor Frieght coupon deal ($10) and the Carbide Cup wheel (medium grit) from Altcut was only $15 or so, plus shipping. They work GREAT together. The teeth gnaw away at the wood, removing quite a lot of material with each swipe.I'm finding 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch can be removed on each pass on hard, dry, old black mulberry - the same log that gave my chainsaw fits and glazed over forming glass-like, impenetrable kerf walls.

Table Wood Electrical wiring Gas Hardwood


I'm in the middle of a shop renovation/spring cleaning, and need more storage space and a place to sit, so I hastily glued up a bench from reclaimed construction lumber, using just glue, countersunk screws and a poplar dowel for plugs. Legs are redwood I think (very soft & light), and the top is douglas fir, reclaimed from a concrete pour last summer near my work. It was set out as free firewood.

Being impatient as I am, I just couldnt wait to put my economy power carving setup to the test, so I only plugged one corner and the glue was still drying as I started carving. I had to bring out the Porter Cable ROS and shine it up to 220, then quickly hand sanded to 800, and threw on some BLO to see whats what before racing off to still be late to work (gotta pay those pesky bills). But I'm pleased with my first test. Quite pleased. I can't wait to get home in fact. I can smell the sawdust now…

Natural material Wood Hardwood Wood stain Varnish


This really opens up my options and lets my creative juices flow. A simple way to meld my artistic side, I used to love to carve and sculpt be it plaster of paris, clay, wax or Play-Doh, with my newfound woodworking skills.

Stay tuned.. More to come…
Cool. I can visualize that being done to the other legs and I think it'll look sweet. I'd like to try a grinder out one day, but I'm too nervous to try it out at this point. Maybe if I make chair or something and need to make molded type seats I'll give it a go. I'm interested to see how the bench turns out!
 

Attachments

#80 ·
Reclaimed Mahogany & Finger Joints: A Welcome Distraction from Pressing Concerns

First of all. What the hell are people doing throwing away solid mahogany… That just irks me… THIS STUFF DOESN"T GROW ON TREES PEOPLE!... well, OK, OK… but you get my point.

Property Sky Wood Tree Shade

Second of all, what in the WORLD were they thinking PAINTING this mahogany an opaque BROWN!.... Sometimes there is simply no justice in this world.

Not that I mind coming up on 30+ bf of some old genuine mahogany. Cause I'm all about it. In fact, I get pretty much all my wood from my little reclaiming and salvaging excursions during lunch breaks and after work. This was from an exceptionally good day I had back in Fall. I'm just now getting to it… It held a mystique for me for a while which did not allow me to touch it.

I'm in the middle of a tool chest build, but I keep second guessing the style I want. So far I have some cherry panels glued up, but I can't commit to the rest since I'm not sure if I want English or Dutch style. So instead of making a decision, I picked up this mahogany and chose NOT TO CHOOSE. Not today anyway. I will make a small box out of this gorgeous mahogany instead and work on some hand cut joints. I previously rescued it from the dumpster, and now I guess it's once again time to dive in.

After removing the brad nails and planing it flat with the #6 & #4C, I was very pleased with what was staring back at me.
Wood Wood stain Hardwood Plank Lumber


I'll be pairing it with this lovely spalted sycamore from a pallet, which i've been sitting on almost as long as the mahogany (no, not literally, you wise guys).

Wood Trunk Wood stain Rectangle Flooring


Layout, marked and sawed to length. Gotta get the Stanley planes into the shot. (oh, & if you squint, you can see my little Shop Brush in the pic. I just made this and now I dont know how I got along without it!)

Saw Wood Tool Table Hardwood


Planing the ends flush in the vise. With a sharp iron, its amazing how easy this is, as long as you dont let the cutting edge reach the edge of the wood, or you will have nasty blowout. I hear you can chamfer the far edge, but I just go 70% then turn it around. (Note to self: make a shooting board).

Brown Wood Wood stain Rectangle Floor


I marked out the lines of the oversized finger joints I'll be doing and sawed them. This is the first time I've done this, so it's exciting for me. Hence all the pictures ;)

I chopped the joint using some of my favorite tools in the shop, my vintage, English made, Sheffield steel chisels. One of them is a Sorby and the other two I'm not sure, but I love these firmer chisels.
Wood Hardwood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


Then I cleaned up the joint (a little too much) and now we have one down, three more to go.
Wood Rectangle Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


Wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but I fully expect the joints to follow to improve as I knock out the rest after work tonight. I admit, I rushed a bit this morning, but learned some valuable lessons.

DO NOT RUSH HANDCUT JOINTS (at least in the event that you are a complete noob). And test fit after each cut.

Stay tuned, I hope to make this a cool little box with several bells and whistles. All in an effort to bone-up on my box making skills for the Box Swap 2014.

**Update after 2nd joint chopped:

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Floor Flooring
 

Attachments

#81 ·
Reclaimed Mahogany & Finger Joints: A Welcome Distraction from Pressing Concerns

First of all. What the hell are people doing throwing away solid mahogany… That just irks me… THIS STUFF DOESN"T GROW ON TREES PEOPLE!... well, OK, OK… but you get my point.

Property Sky Wood Tree Shade

Second of all, what in the WORLD were they thinking PAINTING this mahogany an opaque BROWN!.... Sometimes there is simply no justice in this world.

Not that I mind coming up on 30+ bf of some old genuine mahogany. Cause I'm all about it. In fact, I get pretty much all my wood from my little reclaiming and salvaging excursions during lunch breaks and after work. This was from an exceptionally good day I had back in Fall. I'm just now getting to it… It held a mystique for me for a while which did not allow me to touch it.

I'm in the middle of a tool chest build, but I keep second guessing the style I want. So far I have some cherry panels glued up, but I can't commit to the rest since I'm not sure if I want English or Dutch style. So instead of making a decision, I picked up this mahogany and chose NOT TO CHOOSE. Not today anyway. I will make a small box out of this gorgeous mahogany instead and work on some hand cut joints. I previously rescued it from the dumpster, and now I guess it's once again time to dive in.

After removing the brad nails and planing it flat with the #6 & #4C, I was very pleased with what was staring back at me.
Wood Wood stain Hardwood Plank Lumber


I'll be pairing it with this lovely spalted sycamore from a pallet, which i've been sitting on almost as long as the mahogany (no, not literally, you wise guys).

Wood Trunk Wood stain Rectangle Flooring


Layout, marked and sawed to length. Gotta get the Stanley planes into the shot. (oh, & if you squint, you can see my little Shop Brush in the pic. I just made this and now I dont know how I got along without it!)

Saw Wood Tool Table Hardwood


Planing the ends flush in the vise. With a sharp iron, its amazing how easy this is, as long as you dont let the cutting edge reach the edge of the wood, or you will have nasty blowout. I hear you can chamfer the far edge, but I just go 70% then turn it around. (Note to self: make a shooting board).

Brown Wood Wood stain Rectangle Floor


I marked out the lines of the oversized finger joints I'll be doing and sawed them. This is the first time I've done this, so it's exciting for me. Hence all the pictures ;)

I chopped the joint using some of my favorite tools in the shop, my vintage, English made, Sheffield steel chisels. One of them is a Sorby and the other two I'm not sure, but I love these firmer chisels.
Wood Hardwood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


Then I cleaned up the joint (a little too much) and now we have one down, three more to go.
Wood Rectangle Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


Wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but I fully expect the joints to follow to improve as I knock out the rest after work tonight. I admit, I rushed a bit this morning, but learned some valuable lessons.

DO NOT RUSH HANDCUT JOINTS (at least in the event that you are a complete noob). And test fit after each cut.

Stay tuned, I hope to make this a cool little box with several bells and whistles. All in an effort to bone-up on my box making skills for the Box Swap 2014.

**Update after 2nd joint chopped:

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Floor Flooring
Nice wood find and nicely written.
 

Attachments

#87 ·
Reclaimed Mahogany & Finger Joints: A Welcome Distraction from Pressing Concerns

First of all. What the hell are people doing throwing away solid mahogany… That just irks me… THIS STUFF DOESN"T GROW ON TREES PEOPLE!... well, OK, OK… but you get my point.

Property Sky Wood Tree Shade

Second of all, what in the WORLD were they thinking PAINTING this mahogany an opaque BROWN!.... Sometimes there is simply no justice in this world.

Not that I mind coming up on 30+ bf of some old genuine mahogany. Cause I'm all about it. In fact, I get pretty much all my wood from my little reclaiming and salvaging excursions during lunch breaks and after work. This was from an exceptionally good day I had back in Fall. I'm just now getting to it… It held a mystique for me for a while which did not allow me to touch it.

I'm in the middle of a tool chest build, but I keep second guessing the style I want. So far I have some cherry panels glued up, but I can't commit to the rest since I'm not sure if I want English or Dutch style. So instead of making a decision, I picked up this mahogany and chose NOT TO CHOOSE. Not today anyway. I will make a small box out of this gorgeous mahogany instead and work on some hand cut joints. I previously rescued it from the dumpster, and now I guess it's once again time to dive in.

After removing the brad nails and planing it flat with the #6 & #4C, I was very pleased with what was staring back at me.
Wood Wood stain Hardwood Plank Lumber


I'll be pairing it with this lovely spalted sycamore from a pallet, which i've been sitting on almost as long as the mahogany (no, not literally, you wise guys).

Wood Trunk Wood stain Rectangle Flooring


Layout, marked and sawed to length. Gotta get the Stanley planes into the shot. (oh, & if you squint, you can see my little Shop Brush in the pic. I just made this and now I dont know how I got along without it!)

Saw Wood Tool Table Hardwood


Planing the ends flush in the vise. With a sharp iron, its amazing how easy this is, as long as you dont let the cutting edge reach the edge of the wood, or you will have nasty blowout. I hear you can chamfer the far edge, but I just go 70% then turn it around. (Note to self: make a shooting board).

Brown Wood Wood stain Rectangle Floor


I marked out the lines of the oversized finger joints I'll be doing and sawed them. This is the first time I've done this, so it's exciting for me. Hence all the pictures ;)

I chopped the joint using some of my favorite tools in the shop, my vintage, English made, Sheffield steel chisels. One of them is a Sorby and the other two I'm not sure, but I love these firmer chisels.
Wood Hardwood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


Then I cleaned up the joint (a little too much) and now we have one down, three more to go.
Wood Rectangle Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


Wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but I fully expect the joints to follow to improve as I knock out the rest after work tonight. I admit, I rushed a bit this morning, but learned some valuable lessons.

DO NOT RUSH HANDCUT JOINTS (at least in the event that you are a complete noob). And test fit after each cut.

Stay tuned, I hope to make this a cool little box with several bells and whistles. All in an effort to bone-up on my box making skills for the Box Swap 2014.

**Update after 2nd joint chopped:

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Floor Flooring
Gorgeous Wood! Great save, got to love free wood, especially when it is like that.
 

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