Show Me Your Pallet Projects!

[fuzzi]

But our new Harbor Freight store has their Bauer (knock-off) Jawhorse which normally costs $150.00 and it just so happens to be on sale for $99.00. After watching a number of YouTube videos on the HF Jawhorse v. the Rockwell Jawhorse, I decided to give the HF Jawhorse a good try.

I was impressed with the unit and that is why I posted my "tool review" here. For those who have been following this thread, I have been posting little reviews on the tools I use for breaking down pallets and building my pallet projects. Sometimes I get confirmation on my review and sometimes I get suggestions for other tools to try out.

Ack! You're tempting me! Stop!

The older I get, the more I am willing to spend money on tools that allow me to enjoy my hobbies.

I have spent more money on tools in the past couple years than in my entire life! I'm retirement age, arthritic, unable to kneel/squat, and my dh is no longer capable of much assistance. I have decided that good quality tools are an investment that will help me moving forward.

 

[Sally PB]

I have decided that good quality tools are an investment that will help me moving forward.

Dh is still the "tool master" here. I have one requirement when he wants to buy a new tool: He has to teach me how to use it too.

 

[gtaus]

I have a very basic working knowledge of hand tools, but haven't done much aside from simple tasks such as hanging pictures and building small shelves. Building my hoop coop gave me a better feel for tools and how to use them. Now I'm totally comfortable with my cordless drill, but still am a bit hesitant and anxious with the circular saw...I say a prayer for protection before I make any cuts!

I was lucky enough to have taken shop class when I got into Junior HIgh and High School. I learned to have a healthy respect for the power tools I use. But I don't fear them. Knowledge is power.

I think the best way to learn how to properly use a power tool is under supervision by someone you trust to keep you safe. If you have to use a new power tool and learn it on your own, I check out YouTube videos on how to safely use that tool.

I have been using chainsaws for almost 50 years. I currently have 4 chainsaws of different lengths and strengths. I don't have much fear in felling a tree, but there are times when I have walked away from a situation where I did not feel safe. Old rotted trees can fall in any direction, and a tree hung up on an angle into other trees are called "Widow Makers" for a reason.

I guess, in those rare occasions, I thank God that he gave me the common sense to walk away from a bad or unsafe situation and the courage enough to admit when something is beyond my skill level. It's not fear that motivates me, it's the knowledge that my skills are not up to the task at hand.

As for you using the circular saw, there are a number of YouTube videos that could show you how to use the saw correctly and that should build up your confidence and overcome your fear.

Also, as you get more comfortable with each tool, you get more comfortable with all tools - at least in my experience.

 

[fuzzi]

I was lucky enough to have taken shop class when I got into Junior HIgh and High School. I learned to have a healthy respect for the power tools I use. But I don't fear them. Knowledge is power.

I think the best way to learn how to properly use a power tool is under supervision by someone you trust to keep you safe. If you have to use a new power tool and learn it on your own, I check out YouTube videos on how to safely use that tool.

I have been using chainsaws for almost 50 years. I currently have 4 chainsaws of different lengths and strengths. I don't have much fear in felling a tree, but there are times when I have walked away from a situation where I did not feel safe. Old rotted trees can fall in any direction, and a tree hung up on an angle into other trees are called "Widow Makers" for a reason.

I guess, in those rare occasions, I thank God that he gave me the common sense to walk away from a bad or unsafe situation and the courage enough to admit when something is beyond my skill level. It's not fear that motivates me, it's the knowledge that my skills are not up to the task at hand.

As for you using the circular saw, there are a number of YouTube videos that could show you how to use the saw correctly and that should build up your confidence and overcome your fear.

Also, as you get more comfortable with each tool, you get more comfortable with all tools - at least in my experience.

 

[gtaus]

I have spent more money on tools in the past couple years than in my entire life! I'm retirement age, arthritic, unable to kneel/squat, and my dh is no longer capable of much assistance. I have decided that good quality tools are an investment that will help me moving forward.

Yep, I am at retirement age, too. I have more time to enjoy those hobbies I never had time to do when I was working full time. Unfortunately, I'm also older and have to adapt my tool collection to my current needs. I don't have the arm or back strength I had years ago, and I get a touch of arthritis in my hands.

Dh is still the "tool master" here. I have one requirement when he wants to buy a new tool: He has to teach me how to use it too.

That's fantastic to hear! Dear Wife has little to no desire to learn about most of the tools I have purchased. However, she has found it to her benefit to learn how to use my smallest grass trimmer and the powered mini cultivator to fluff up the soil in her flower beds. She had absolutely no desire to use my one-wheeled wheelbarrow, but she absolutely loves the new 4-wheeled Gorilla carts (I do, too).

Dear Wife won't touch my drill, impact drivers, circular saws, etc... but when I see her running around in the house with her teeny tiny hammer, I panic for the major damage she can do!

Just the same for Dear Wife. It will be 35 years together this October. We tend to complement each other even if it's just fulfilling our stereotypical roles in life - her as master of the house, and me outside or in the garage.

And, as many of you following this thread may know, most of my pallet projects have been related to gardening such as pallet planters or pallet raised beds. I grow the food, she grows the flowers. It works for us.

 

[Sally PB]

Just the same for Dear Wife. It will be 35 years together this October.

34 for us in May.

 

[fuzzi]

Just the same for Dear Wife. It will be 35 years together this October. We tend to complement each other even if it's just fulfilling our stereotypical roles in life - her as master of the house, and me outside or in the garage.

34 for us in May.

It will be 43 for us in September, Lord willing.

 

[drycreek]

Wife and I just celebrated 33 years March 24th.

 

[ChicksnMore]

31 years here last February

 

[gtaus]

Just the same for Dear Wife. It will be 35 years together this October.

34 for us in May.

It will be 43 for us in September, Lord willing.

Wife and I just celebrated 33 years March 24th.

31 years here last February

To everyone for managing to work through both the good times and bad times together. It's great to have a supportive partner in life.