Three essential tricks for recycling pallets

So, you want to try your hand at building a project from recycled pallet wood. That’s nice…

But, how do you go about ripping that pallet apart without breaking the boards, leaving buried nails in the pieces or losing your patience?

This page from a website called Cigar Box Guitar Parts (LOVE that name) gives the three most essential tricks on how to turn a shipping pallet into some prime lumber for projects in your shop.

Besides getting free (in many cases) lumber for your projects, upcycling pallets can help reduce the amount of stuff going into the refuse stream. Talk about going – and saving – some green!

Build your own Log Cabin

So, now that we are in spring, thoughts turn to those summer vacations we like to take from time to time.

For some of us, a trip to the beach is what the doctor ordered. For others, the excitement of the big city is in our future. And, for some, a log cabin, far away from it all deep in the woods, is the ideal.

If this last idea tickles your fancy, then today’s link of the week is for you. This article in Mother Earth News shows how a couple – using axes, hand saws and the materials available to them – built a little log cabin in the woods.

Of course the work was backbreaking, but the two story structure, complete with windows and a wood stove, provides that whole back-to-nature vibe that many of us might be seeking.

A home-made spray booth

Spraying is a great way to lay down a nice looking finish in a very short amount of time, but trying to do that task inside can create a mess – or even worse, a hazardous situation with chemicals. That’s why it’s important to set up some kind of spray booth to do the task to help contain the mess.

Woodworker and all-around good guy Al Navas shows how to build a simple, easy to use spray setup – complete with an exhaust fan – for a small investment of cash.

If you are looking to get into spray finishing, this is an interesting article to start with.

William Ng School of Fine Woodworking

William Ng comes from an engineering background and uses a similar approach in his woodworking. Precision, accuracy and efficiency are emphasized in his teaching.

Someone who starts a bio about himself like that had better be able to back it up, and William Ng does so in spades.

From his school in Anaheim, California, William instructs students on building gorgeous pieces in his well-appointed shop. When William isn’t teaching the students, he brings in big-name instructors like Marc Spagnuolo, Chris Schwarz and Darrell Peart to run the classes.

William’s site also features some great links not normally found on a woodworking school site – including a comprehensive link to travel information on how to get to his school.

Wikipedia’s entry on laser engraving

Sure, there are lots of ways you can sign a project. Maybe you want to study pyrography or get your hands on a brand.

But, if you really want to get fancy for a special piece, why not consider laser etching on your wooden project?

This Wikipedia entry gives the basics on how laser etching works, what material can be etched and the different technologies that are used to do the etching.

Most trophy shops offer this type of service, so be sure to call locally to find out where it can be done.

Infinity Cutting Tools Blog

There are lots of tool companies out there, offering loads of tools for sale. And, while they look totally enticing, anyone wanting to buy these tools might have a few questions. How did the tool maker come up with the design? What are some other uses for the tool? How can I get the most out of my investment?

In order to help prospective tool buyers, the folks at Infinity Cutting Tools have set up a blog, where woodworkers in residence Kurt Raschke and Andy Gibson use the tools, offer tips and tricks and go into detail on the best way to set things up. No, it’s not a groundbreaking idea, but it does offer some additional guidance while deciding if that tool is right for you and your shop.

The Woodworking Show in Tampa

The Woodworking Show tours the country each year, Cris-crossing the states to bring high quality woodworking education and showcase some fine woodworking wares to craftsmen and women. This weekend, the show wraps up its season here in Tampa.

If you are in the Tampa Bay area and want to swing by, the event is being held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. And, I plan on being there on Saturday, running around, doing interviews and getting the entire Woodworking Show experience.

I’ll be the guy in the Tom’s Workbench shirt!