Growing Popularity of Reclaimed Wood

Photo courtesy: CalWood.com The Premier Reclaimed Supplier

Reclaimed wood is becoming increasingly popular for woodworking projects due to its unique character, eco-friendliness, and historical significance. However, working with reclaimed wood can present some challenges, as it often contains hidden metal objects like nails, screws, or staples. These metal objects can damage cutting tools, saw blades, or other equipment, and pose a safety risk to the woodworker.

To safely work with reclaimed wood, it's essential to locate and remove any metal objects before cutting, sanding, or processing the material. Here are some tips to help you find nails and other metal objects in reclaimed wood:

1. Visual inspection: Start by examining the surface of the wood for any visible nails, screws, or other metal objects. Look for holes or marks that may indicate the presence of metal beneath the surface.
2. Use a metal detector: Handheld metal detectors, like the Little Wizard and Lumber Wizard, are specifically designed to locate metal objects in wood. Slowly run the detector over the surface of the wood and pay attention to any signals or changes in tone that indicate the presence of metal.
3. Mark the locations: When you find a metal object, mark the spot with a pencil or other visible marker. This will help you remember where to remove the metal later.
4. Remove the metal: Use a nail puller, pliers, or other appropriate tools to carefully remove the metal objects from the wood. Be cautious not to damage the wood's surface while doing so.
5. Double-check: Once you have removed all visible metal objects, run the metal detector over the wood again to ensure you haven't missed anything.
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By following these steps, you can ensure the safety of both yourself and your equipment when working with reclaimed wood. Removing metal objects from the material will also help preserve the integrity and beauty of your finished woodworking projects.