Show Me Your Pallet Projects!

[Theurbanhomestead]

I personally love the look of wood furniture. It's hard to look at those pictures and think the wood came from pallets. You really have some talent making furniture like that.

Thanks, I didn't post all the mistakes before those I will say that just trying stuff is how I figured it out.

I have been building up my tools and supplies to get to the point where I could do some kind of panel glue-up to make cutting boards, or tabletops. I already have a board planer that I had to buy many years ago for a renovation project on a house. Recently, I bought a couple sets of pipe clamps for the glue-up setup. I don't have a jointer, but might try a jointing jig on my table saw to get really close.

I don't have a joiner but I think the table saw jig would work fine. I have found that making cutting boards all you really need is the table saw and board planer. Just make sure its square and you can mill the rest of the stuff off.

I got an Alaskan chain saw mill a few years ago and have been using that to slab up logs I get. I have only used that wood for a few things so far, mostly cutting boards, because I am letting it dry.

Most of my pallet projects are not nearly as finely crafted as your furniture. Well, I did make a couple of outdoor benches out of 2X6's. The first one, years ago, I used new store-bought wood. The second bench, with the same design, was made with reclaimed 2x6's. After a few years outside, they both look pretty much the same. For anyone interested in an easy outdoor furniture project, here is the video I watched to make my benches...

Those look pretty awesome.

 

[gtaus]

Thanks, I didn't post all the mistakes before those I will say that just trying stuff is how I figured it out.

I am in my retirement years. Building stuff out of pallet wood is my current hobby. Other than some time and effort, my pallet wood projects don't cost me much. And, if I really screw up, the wood can be reused for something else - no tears. I rarely get something right the first time. But if often takes that first build to teach you what you need to improve for the next.

My father and I used to make things together. He passed away about 8 years ago. Since then, I have been having to learn how to do projects on my own. Funny how much a second hand really makes a difference in many larger projects. Many of my tool purchases are related to devices that allow me to work alone.

Speaking of which, one of favorite tools is the JawHorse, a three legged clamping sawhorse...

I bought my off brand "JawHorse" at Harbor Freight when they went on clearance for less than half the price of the genuine JawHorse. Harbor Freight doesn't sell them anymore. But I highly recommend the JawHorse type of clamping sawhorse to give you that third hand you might need for lots of stuff.

Here is a picture of the HF one that I bought on clearance, for about $80.00. Got the last one they had in the store. At that price, I would have bought two of them.

I don't think the HF "JawHorse" was made to the same quality as the original. The original Rockwell JawHorse has a 5-year warranty. The HF Bauer model had a 90-day warranty. I use my clamping sawhorse all the time. If/when it finally breaks, I'll be buying a genuine JawHorse because it makes my life so much easier working alone.

Those [outdoor benches] look pretty awesome.

Well, they are easy to build and strong as heck. I have them outside in a couple of spots. One in front of my chicken run in case I want to relax and watch some chicken TV, and the other by my campfire ring.