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#1 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
 

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#2 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
That came out Awsome! What a Great Idea!
 

Attachments

#3 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
Thanks Bob!
 

Attachments

#4 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
that is NICE!!!
 

Attachments

#5 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
Thanks PurpLev!
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
Great work with the pallets!
 

Attachments

#7 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
Thanks knz!
 

Attachments

#8 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
Very nice table and benches!! I love recycling of anything.
.................Jim
 

Attachments

#9 ·
Pallet Patio Table with benches set!

This week I embarked on my latest creation adventure which I made out of pallet wood boards… a patio table with benches! I wanted this to look prestine and clean while maintaining a sort of rustic feel that the pallet wood gives to it.

So I went through my stock of pallet boards and pulled the best quality / matching sized boards I could find and used them in the project. The only things I bought for this project were the screws (I normally use the pallet nails for the ultimate recycling, but I wanted something more sturdy for the set), water proofing seal, stain and sand paper (all of which I had in my storage so really I spent nothing on this project), I use a "1/4"" Finishing Sander" from black and decker with a "7-1/4"" 12 Amp Circular Saw" type model from Ryobi. Over the coarse of the week I produced what you see below through endless sanding, gluing (and dodging northeast rain storms) and utilizing a unlimited amount of patience! Finally I applied "1 Quart Antique Maple Gel Stain" which I think really brings out the beauty of this set. I also built garden boxes from pallet wood, but I will post about those later on. I really want to build a "Lynchburg Quartz Chime Grandfather Clock", or "Majestic II Grandfather Clock", but it will take more planning and time (I will blog this entire process). I really want to build a "One Person Real Kayak 17 Canoe" (not with pallets lol!) as well! Enjoy my project photos below!

Also on Blogger: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

Table Furniture Desk Wood Outdoor table

vertical view (not crooked, just poor photography)

Table Furniture Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle

corner view

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Wood stain

table view

Furniture Table Wood Rectangle Desk

gonna build 3 more of these!
Nice job Ethan. I have done quite a bit with pallet wood as well. Nice website, and an interesting name for your shop!
 

Attachments

#10 ·
Removing pallet wood without destroying the boards

Also see this on Blogger at: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pulling-boards-from-pallet-without.html

Hello all,

I have been working with pallets lately and I thought to myself "what if folks want to do this too?"

So I decided to share what I found to be the best way to remove a board from the pallet without destroying the pieces.

Step 1: Cut the boards off of the top of the pallet.
Sleeve Rectangle Triangle Linens Pattern

From the edges as close to the brace boards as possible, cut the top Boards (top because there are more boards on top usually) with a Laser Circular Saw or Hand Saw if you have none.

Step 2: Pry the board from the center brace.
Musical instrument Idiophone Wood Shelf Musical instrument accessory

Using a flat edge Crowbar or Heavy Duty Claw Hammer , remove the top boards from the pallet braces. Warning! too much force could break the boards and nails will be exposed when you remove the boards. Best to pull the nail out with a claw hammer and either set them aside for use (some are great for recycling in projects) or discard of them safely.

Step 3: Turn over the pallet and repeat Steps 1 and 2.

Step 4: Remove the stubs from the braces.
Rectangle Automotive exterior Font Fashion accessory Eyewear

I found the braces to be useful so to remove the chopped stubs go ahead and hammer the stubs to break them from the side angle and then pull the nails for recycling or discarding.

Finished
After completion you should have a set of pallet boards that you can use to turn into just about anything.

See my latest pallet creations at:

Blogger:
http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

LumberJocks:

Blog = http://lumberjocks.com/craftedbyethan/blog/30975

Project = http://lumberjocks.com/projects/68601
 

Attachments

#11 ·
Removing pallet wood without destroying the boards

Also see this on Blogger at: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pulling-boards-from-pallet-without.html

Hello all,

I have been working with pallets lately and I thought to myself "what if folks want to do this too?"

So I decided to share what I found to be the best way to remove a board from the pallet without destroying the pieces.

Step 1: Cut the boards off of the top of the pallet.
Sleeve Rectangle Triangle Linens Pattern

From the edges as close to the brace boards as possible, cut the top Boards (top because there are more boards on top usually) with a Laser Circular Saw or Hand Saw if you have none.

Step 2: Pry the board from the center brace.
Musical instrument Idiophone Wood Shelf Musical instrument accessory

Using a flat edge Crowbar or Heavy Duty Claw Hammer , remove the top boards from the pallet braces. Warning! too much force could break the boards and nails will be exposed when you remove the boards. Best to pull the nail out with a claw hammer and either set them aside for use (some are great for recycling in projects) or discard of them safely.

Step 3: Turn over the pallet and repeat Steps 1 and 2.

Step 4: Remove the stubs from the braces.
Rectangle Automotive exterior Font Fashion accessory Eyewear

I found the braces to be useful so to remove the chopped stubs go ahead and hammer the stubs to break them from the side angle and then pull the nails for recycling or discarding.

Finished
After completion you should have a set of pallet boards that you can use to turn into just about anything.

See my latest pallet creations at:

Blogger:
http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-wood-patio-table-recycling-at.html

LumberJocks:

Blog = http://lumberjocks.com/craftedbyethan/blog/30975

Project = http://lumberjocks.com/projects/68601
I have been using a reciprocating saw to do about the same steps as you described. My problem is I have the uncanny luck of getting pallets that have been rebuilt several times. What do the pallet rebuilders do? They use a recip saw to cut the nails off which doesn't leave me anything to get ahold of. Frustrating to say the least.
 

Attachments

#13 ·
Pallet Board Entertainment Center!

Also at: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-board-corner-entertainment.html

Hey Everybody!

Okay, so after the completion of my last project with pallet wood, I have turned my attention to an issue, my current embarrassment of an entertainment center.

Furniture Comfort Shelf Living room Table


To be fair to myself, this was one of my first projects, it had doors, had a coat hanger pole, and was actually a dresser.

But since we have moved, it is causing a bit of a clutter and is incredibly imposing. So what better time than now to use my pallet project to build a new entertainment center with pallet wood!Starting tomorrow evening, I will begin construction of my new entertainment center. Nothing fancy, but it will look Rustic and will, to the best of my ability, be perfect for my situation with a custom feel. Check out my plans below and stay alert for my updates on this project.

Furniture Window Rectangle Wood Shelving


Rectangle Wood Wood stain Fixture Hardwood


Line Font Parallel Rectangle Slope
 

Attachments

#14 ·
Never buying wood filler again!

Hello All,

This is not a new tip, but I thought I'd mention it in my blog anyways. As always see my blog at: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/

Ok so working with pallets is not always perfect, the wood is definately not top grade by any means and I will not pretend it is. So occasionally you are going to want to use a wood filler at some point. Now Elmer's, as well as Varathane and Rustoleum sell wood filler that is pretty good, but the cost can add up significantly and this is especially so if you are an active wood worker. So here is my "not new but surprisingly overlooked" method.

Step 1: Collect saw dust.

As you produce wood products saw dust will have the tendency to build up around you. Why not use all of it?

Step 2: Get some wood glue!

That's right, just get some wood glue from any reataillers such as Titebond or Elmer's.

Step 3: Mix, apply and sand.

Mix together some wood glue with your saw dust (best in smaller batches to prevent waste) and apply it to your application. Allow to dry, and sand it down.

Finished!

After your application is dry apply your stain or finish and you will never be able to tell that it is actually just a glue and sawdust filler mix.

Enjoy your savings!
 
#15 ·
Someone was telling me that this was an option. So…. I've always been more of a "recipe" kinda girl. How much glue to how much sawdust?
Also… As I've learned with my first stained project last week… The glue doesn't take stain. So does this mixture stain ok?
 
#20 ·
Child's Patio Set

Hello All,

As always check out this, and other projects at my blog: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/

I am finishing up a project I started on the side with my adult patio table set and I wanted to blog about it in my series while I wait for my wednesday pallet pickup for my next project as seen in my blog.

This table is designed for my daughter to have and will have pretty much the same look as the full size set that I built. I plan to make like benches and stain the wood the same as well. So far I have finished gluing up the top with Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, so that means tonight I can really get things going on this! Check out the photo of the top below! When complete I promise to blog and post a photo with both sets together on my patio.

Wood Rectangle Flooring Floor Wood stain


Table Outdoor table Wood Building Outdoor furniture
 

Attachments

#21 ·
Child's Patio Set - part 2

View this blog and others at my blog: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-craft-childs-patio-table-set_17.html

Hey All,

Made some more progress tonight on the child's patio table piece. I was able to join the top with the bottom and legs. Unfortunately its too late in the day and I still need to sand, touch up the piece a bit and then waterproof and stain to get the right finished product I want. Any other outdoor builders notice that the mosquitoes are a lot less friendly this year?... Anyways, check out my progress photos below and hopefully I will be able to update my blog with a finished project soon.



 
#22 ·
Rainy day, perfect for brainstorming!

See this and more at my blog: Pallet Craft

Hello All,

Well today was kind of a bummer, a rain day interupted my plans to wood work, but my wife suggested a project that she would like me to do… a mobile for our daughter's crib. "BRILLIANT!" I thought to myself as I grabbed a pen and some paper and proceeded to sketch my design shown below.


Mobile Design Sketchup

This design is pretty simple, the neck of the mobile will extend out over the crib and will be supported my two braces that lock it in place and join together at the base. The parts will be fastened in place and below the base will be a clamp I am going to build that will hold the entire unit in place. Now because this was a request from my wife, I have to put this one in front of all my projects but I am glad I have a list to keep me working! I do plan however to keep working on my entertainment center as that requires alot of pre-work. So here's to the brilliance of rainy days!
 
#23 ·
Bunk Bed Recycled Quick Fix!

For more on this and other posts, visit: Pallet Craft!

Hey all!

Today I have something cool to share! So we just got a bunk bed (see my blog for type) second hand for my daughter to have in her room.As we were building it we were saying to ourselves that we wanted to put her stuffed animals on the bottom, but we did not have a second mattress yet and the bottom only had a metal wire support. It was safe to say we wanted to put something on it that would be better than bare metal! My wife thought, why not build a surface with pallet wood? Now I know this would have worked, but I remembered that I had picked up some plywood from the side of the road about 2 weeks back. So I went back and measured the support wire frame of the bed, 38×75". I was amazed to find out that I had just enough plywood to make a perfect fit!... I know right!

So I cut the 2 pieces I had to size and look at the outcome! For more blogs by me, go to: Pallet Craft!



 
#25 ·
Why I Pallet Craft!

For all the images on this entry and others please go to my blog: pallet craft!

Hello All,

This is part of my series Pallet Craft on my blog. It is pooring out once again, and because I have nowhere else to work on my projects except for my mobile work station (outdoors), I decided to blog about why I do what I do.

Woodworking in general came to me as something foriegn that I had never really given a lot of thought of doing (I mean common, I was a tech student), I thought of it as something only the "pros" really get into. Then it happened, I met the woman that would be my wife and I wanted to build things for her as gifts. Next thing I knew I fell into the woodworking hobby and I absolutely love it! A year and a half later I am now working on my own series called Pallet Craft.

Working with Pallets have many pros and cons as with anything else in the world these days. Some of the pros include its cheap (or even free), its gratifying and very simplistic; cons include its cheap, some wood is of a lot less quality, it takes a lot of extra time and propper planning, breaking down pallets can be very tedious and some pallets are chemical treated to kill off pests. Now the latter was a major concern for me when I started working with the pallets, but I did some of my own investigation and I discovered I can avoid issues by: Using heat treated pallets, taking pallets that don't have a lot of age to them and not collecting them from chemical plants or foodmarts. The combination of the last two points is important in trying to calculate the lifespan and use of the pallets. But all of these reasons are not the reason I pallet craft.

I use pallets because nearly 500 million NEW pallets are built every year in the U.S. alone, while many many, many pallets end up in stockpiles for waste and decay or for burning or in landfills. To put a number on this, in 1995 alone, 68,000 tons of pallet wood was thrown out and wasted in Minnesota. This is not only wasteful, but its ecologically unstable and harmful to the earth. Therefore my motto on my blog is "Recycling what we waste to make what we want!"

So why do I do it? To make a difference, to build, to recycle, to Pallet Craft!



 
#28 ·
The Work Ahead!

For the images and more on this post please go to my blog at: Pallet Craft!

Hello Readers!

Today I have a goal set in mind for the entertainment center and mobile builds. I feel this will be important for me to set these goals to ensure I have all the different parts available as I need them. To see the plans for these builds that I put together please visit their respective links.

Entertainment Center: (http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-board-corner-entertainment.html)

Today I am focusing on three different parts of this project.

1. Remove the boards necessary for parts 2 and 3 from the pallets. I need to cut 36 3×32" boards and 15 boards of various sizes (according to my plan) for the side panels and shelves for the station.

2. Next I'll need to cut the angle boards for the shelves and start the joining process for those. These will pretty much be the backbone of this project so I'll need them finished before Thursday. So if step three does not get completely done today It would not be as important as step 2.

3. Then I plan to make a 45 degree angle cut on the panel boards and then join them using a drill and fasten system with some strong wood screws I picked up from Home Depot.

Mobile: (http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pallet-craft-rainy-day-perfect-for.html)

For the Mobile I have a slightly more simple plan for this evening. Today I just plan to work on building the center bar parts which will dictate most of the rest of this build.

As always, thanks for reading and make sure to check out the other blogs on Pallet Craft!
 
#29 ·
Temptation Neutralized and a quick update!

For the images and more on this post, please go to: Pallet Craft

Hello Readers!

So yesterday evening was very productive indeed, although I did not get as far as I wanted, I was able to get a good leg up. Yesterday was also an incredibly tough trial of temptation.

When I started out on this project I designed the whole thing to be built out of pallet wood, to show that they could be used in nice project builds. However, the temptation became very intriuging and alluring to build the shelves for this project from the plywood boards used in my previously repurpesed bureau that this build was meant to replace, I mean afterall, that would be recycling! But then it hit me.

The whole point of this blog is to build things out of pallet wood! To take what could be wasted and disgarded or burned and turn them into useful projects that not only have a touch of class but look like nice pieces in any application. So I had to say no to the easy way out!

It is safe to say that I have defeated the temptation to use the plywood. Check out my progress from last night at Pallet Craft!
 
#30 ·
The Difficulties

View more images for this post at: Pallet Craft!

Hello Readers!

Working with pallets can be fun, it can be gratifying, and it can keep you busy… These are all good things, but there is a dark side to the madness that is; Pallet Craft!

Difficulty #1 - Many pallets are decayed or built with cheap wood. It is unfortunate, but many pallets cannot be repaired for use, at least not by me. If this is not bad enough, some pallets are beyond decay, and are not fit for my use and many other uses. I would suggest inspecting the pallets you get before you attempt even picking them up.

Difficulty #2 - The second issue is good for pallet manufacturers and shippers, but bad for me. The nails used in pallet assembly are made to stay, removing them is difficult to do, unless of course you own a metal cutting saw… which I do not. In my case, I use this method: http://blogspud.blogspot.com/2012/07/pulling-boards-from-pallet-without.html

Difficulty #3 - Many pallets are chemically treated. Now this can be a Debby downer for any pallet reclaimer, so to fix this issue, you must first, look for heat treated pallets which is a standard for many pallet manufacturers. These are regarded to be safer for use (you can tell usually because they will have the letters "HT" branded on them). If you are unsure of the origin of the pallets, use precautions when using them to insure safety and use a respirator mask to prevent breathing in the dust.

Rectangle Wood Font Wood stain Hardwood


Pallet crafting is fun, and enjoyable and I want anyone that wants to do so to also enjoy it as well. Don't let the difficulties get in the way, and only good things can come from it.

Like this post below and share with your friends and make sure to checkout more projects, blogs and more on Pallet Craft!
 

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#31 ·
Progress, Progress and more Progress!

More photos available on my blog: Pallet Craft!

Hello Readers!

This past weekend, a major trend took place, it rained constantly and unrelentlessly. That being said, I was able to utilize my carport this weekend to get things moving on the pallet entertainment center, and the recycled lumber crib mobile. So lets dive right into the action!

Pallet Entertainment center!

This is probably the most exciting project for me since the pallet wood table that many of my readers saw in my first post on this blog. On Saturday, I was able to inspect, and cut the boards I needed for the entertainment center, and finally put together the unfinished first draft on the walls for the build. I want to work these walls into beautiful pieces but it is going to take some time to get them exactly as I want them! Check out the progress photos on this project below!





Recycled Lumber Crib Mobile!

So this is turning into a fun project! From cutting the pieces to making a wooden vice, this has been great. I have also been able to stay in my house for this with the exception of the jigsaw cutting. The vice knob is made of the same bird shape as that will be on the mobile ornaments. My silly mistake on this was that I made the thread backwards and it is "Lefty Tighty, Righty Loosy"! Check out the progress pics below!





For More Check out Pallet Craft!
 
#32 ·
The Truth Must be Revealed!

This is an entry from my blog: Pallet Craft!

Hello Readers!

I have been writing to this blog for the past few weeks to share my endeavors with pallet woodworking, and over that time I have seen my blog grow exponentially. This is definitely an exciting time for me as I get to share all of these experiences with more and more of you, however, it has been received with some mixed reviews as well.

I have had several readers express that they are wary of pallets and their use in woodworking. When I dug a little deeper into the vast array of internet forums and discussion boards, I uncovered there to be quite a number of opinions, fears, and some confusion. Most of the hysteria was centered on how pallets are perceived to be a hazard to health and unsuitable but for the garbage. So I have decided to set this record straight the best way I know of… by blogging! The following are laws and regulations that are in place in the U.S. and abroad.

1. Pallets being shipped internationally must be treated to prevent insect invasion and transcontinental contamination.

2. Pallets in the USA are regulated by the USDA with two organizations handling different types of treatment. (ALSC manages heat treatment)

3. Heat Treatment is an acceptable solution to this (simple chamber heating to 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum 30 minutes).

4. All pallets must be marked (and I have yet to find one unmarked) with the type of treatment used. Pallets without mark will not be allowed through customs or be shipped.

It is by these reasons that I say heat treated pallets are in fact safe for use. Yes, chemically treated pallets do still exist (managed by NWPCA), and you should use precautions when dealing with any wood type (glasses for eye irritation, respirators for dust inhalation), but this is not to say that you should not use any of them in your own woodworking.

For more, check out more of Pallet Craft! The safe, recycling solution.
 
#33 ·
My family has been in the pallet business for years. The main problem with using pallets for projects is not if they are treated but what was shipped on them, but not every pallet had hazardous waste on them. A good rule of thumb is to look at the size of the pallet its not 100% but it's a start. A 36" x 36" pallet is used for soda, A 48" x 48" pallet is used for concrete blocks and cement the 40" x 48" pallets are the standard and are used for everything you should give them a good look before using them most are OK but better to be save then sorry.

P.S. I make all of my projects with pallet wood
 
#35 ·
Heat treating lumber

For more on this topic and other posts visit Pallet Craft!

Hello Readers!

I wanted to take this time to go further in depth on the use of heat treatment in pallets here in the U.S. and other U.N. member nations. This week I felt that conveying the truths about these processes would be important in clearing up a lot of confusion that I have noticed surrounding this information.

Back Story

In 2002, the IPPC (International Plant Prevention Convention) convened to set new regulations on shipping containers and pallets made up of wood materials whether they are soft or hard wood. It was there, that they adopted ISPM 15 which was shortly there after, adopted in the U.S. under Rule 7 CFR 319.40. In the U.S., these regulations are governed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and they enforce that pallet makers and shippers must use 1 of 2 methods to treat the pallets they use for harmful pests as well as mark them with the type they use.

Heat Treatment

The process of heat treating the timber or logs that will end up being pallets is incredibly simple. The law states that the timber is to be placed into a heat chamber where it will be heated to a inner core temperature of 56 degrees celcius or 132.8 fahrenheit for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure that the wood no longer contains pests. After the treatment is complete these lumber materials are marked with the acceptable markings set by regulation. The American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) is charged with monitoring and assuring quality pallets and giving their stamp of approval.



Stay tuned for tomorrow when we discuss part 2: Fumigation.
 
#36 ·
Fumigation Treatment of Pallets

This and more at my blog: Pallet Craft!

Hello Readers!

Today I am going to share with you the other treatment method used on pallet wood; fumigation using Methyl Bromide. First, I would like to state that using these pallets that have been fumigated using methyl bromide could be extremely dangerous to your health!

What is Methyl Bromide?

Methyl Bromide is manufactured from naturally occurring bromide salts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers this gas to be an ozone depleting substance (ODS) that can thin the atmosphere. Most commonly used on strawberries in California, Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) used in citrus drinks as a preservative of flavors and in other post harvest applications (that's right folks, you eat this stuff).

Regulatory Groups

The IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) in 2002 set methyl bromide as the only fumigant allowed to be used in pallet pest control. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) also adopted these regulations in 2005. The National Wood Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) manages the regulation of this treatment method in the United States.

Treatment

The lumber which will become pallet wood is locked into an air sealed chamber where it is gassed for 24 hours while maintaining a temperature of at least 52 degrees Fahrenheit. The wood pallets are then marked similarly to the following stamp.

Rectangle Font Parallel Brand Number


My Recommendation

I do not recommend using fumigated pallets for wood working. I do not endorse the use of methyl bromide in any application either. Use heat treated wood instead and save the environment and don't take any risks!
 

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#37 ·
Fumigation Treatment of Pallets

This and more at my blog: Pallet Craft!

Hello Readers!

Today I am going to share with you the other treatment method used on pallet wood; fumigation using Methyl Bromide. First, I would like to state that using these pallets that have been fumigated using methyl bromide could be extremely dangerous to your health!

What is Methyl Bromide?

Methyl Bromide is manufactured from naturally occurring bromide salts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers this gas to be an ozone depleting substance (ODS) that can thin the atmosphere. Most commonly used on strawberries in California, Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) used in citrus drinks as a preservative of flavors and in other post harvest applications (that's right folks, you eat this stuff).

Regulatory Groups

The IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) in 2002 set methyl bromide as the only fumigant allowed to be used in pallet pest control. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) also adopted these regulations in 2005. The National Wood Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) manages the regulation of this treatment method in the United States.

Treatment

The lumber which will become pallet wood is locked into an air sealed chamber where it is gassed for 24 hours while maintaining a temperature of at least 52 degrees Fahrenheit. The wood pallets are then marked similarly to the following stamp.

Rectangle Font Parallel Brand Number


My Recommendation

I do not recommend using fumigated pallets for wood working. I do not endorse the use of methyl bromide in any application either. Use heat treated wood instead and save the environment and don't take any risks!
This is a good write up and information alot of people like myself don't think of when we get free wood until you start working with it and all of a sudden get theese funky odors from it.Thanks for the info.
 

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#40 ·
Share your project Ideas!

See this post and more at Pallet Craft



Hello Readers!

You have probably seen lots of things made from pallets on the Internet, from chairs to storage and much more. However there is a key distinction between building projects from pallets and building projects with pallet wood.

While both of these methods are recycling the pallet wood and putting them to good use (which I applaud), I want to show that the wood from these pallets can be turned into beautiful pieces instead of using them in just their original pallet form like the patio table in my first blog release. I want to bring the Pallet Craft project to the next level. So I want to hear from you!

I am looking to back fill my roster for projects for the remainder of 2012 into 2013. So share your ideas and projects that you would like to see made from pallets and if it is a good project idea I will make it happen!

Share your ideas by:

A. Commenting on Pallet Craft or below.

B. Emailing me at harrise@spudfund.com

C. Tweeting your ideas to https://twitter.com/Spudfund
 
#43 ·
My learning process!

Find this and more at Pallet Craft!

Hello Readers!

Well everyone goes through a learning period when figuring out what can and can't be done, and how you should and should not go about things. Here are a couple of my latest "woops" and "oh…" moments as a beginner at woodworking.

1. The wooden vice. I thought this would be a great idea and it seemed to work well in pre-applied testing. Unfortunately the threads are too few, and the wood I used for the fastening was too weak and broke when too tight. I am not saying that the wooden vice is impossible, but it would take much more time to get to work right for the application (Crib Wooden Mobile). I am going to take a safer and simpler approach for now.



2. The entertainment center. This is a simple case of working a bit too fast, with wild ideas running freely through my head. The walls did not come out exactly the way I wanted them too so this project is going to need some more work now as a result. I am not saying it won't get done, only that I want to now take extra time to work this build into an exceptional piece.

Something that worked well!

The bar and ornaments to the mobile came out great! I hand sanded the wood down this past week and this should be a finished product by mid week… Even without the wooden vice.

So my week was not a total loss, especially since I have been volunteering all week at a children's camp. So stay up to date with Pallet Craft as I release more blogs and updates!
 
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