How is reclaimed wood milled?

Image Courtesy CalWood.com

​Reclaimed wood is milled similarly to new wood, but there are some differences to consider. Here are some of the steps involved in milling reclaimed wood:

1. De-nailing: Before milling, reclaimed wood must be de-nailed or have any other metal objects removed. This is typically done using a metal detector to locate hidden metal objects and then removing them with pliers or a pry bar.
2. Cleaning: Reclaimed wood may be dirty or have other contaminants on its surface, so it is important to clean it before milling. This can be done using a wire brush, power washer, or other cleaning methods.
3. Rough cutting: Reclaimed wood may have irregular edges or be of varying thicknesses, so rough cutting the wood to size can help ensure that it is ready for milling. This can be done using a circular saw, table saw, or other cutting tools.
4. Surfacing: After rough cutting, reclaimed wood is surfaced to achieve a uniform thickness and smooth surface. This can be done using a planer, jointer, or other surfacing tools.
5. Sanding: Once the reclaimed wood has been surfaced, it is sanded to achieve a smooth and uniform surface. This can be done using sandpaper or other sanding tools.
6. Finishing: Reclaimed wood can be finished in a variety of ways, depending on the desired look and application. This may include staining, sealing, or adding other finishes to protect and enhance the wood.

Overall, milling reclaimed wood requires careful preparation, including de-nailing, cleaning, and rough cutting, to ensure that it is safe to use and ready for milling. By following these steps, reclaimed wood can be milled into a variety of shapes and sizes, ready to be used in a variety of woodworking projects.

Both the Lumber Wizard and the Little Wizard are reliable and easy to use handheld metal detectors that are specifically designed for woodworkers. They are useful tools for identifying any hidden metal objects in reclaimed wood, ensuring that woodworkers can work safely and effectively.