New to woodworking - what tools do I need for...

[ash1008]

Hello,

Having just built a shelf from some old wood I found in a skip, I have a sudden urge and motivation to upcycle some pallets that I've yet to get my hands on. I'd like to build a few things, first and foremost a simple table/bench for the shed.

I have no tools, only a 16v cordless drill and accessories, a few hand tools ie files, chisels, hammer.

Would a circular saw or a mitre saw be best? I have a bit of space to work, but am restricted by a shoestring budget at the moment. I am keeping my eyes peeled in local auctions in Leicestershire, but for now I would welcome any advice on what tools would be valuable for pallet work.

Thanks for any advice!

Paul

 

[DiscoStu]

If you want to build stuff from pallets then you won't need more than you have except for a handsaw and maybe a plane and a sander. I mitre saw is useful but not essential.

 

[Mark A]

A quality "hardpoint" hand saw will cover all your sawing tasks for less than a tenner. I like the Stanley Fatmax fine cut saws myself, but Bahco, Irwin and Spear & Jackson are equally good.

If you are starting off then I would say forget a power saw for now and save the money for a belt sander. I think they're the most important tool for converting pallet wood into something useful.

Pallets are rough, splintery, and since they spend their life being placed on concrete and tarmac, gritty. You'll need something to remove this outer layer while still preserving the rusticy appearance, which is where a belt sander comes in.

The general concensus when buying tools is to avoid the cheaper brands, unless you are fully aware and accepting of the shortcomings. It's often better to buy second hand quality tools for similar prices (or less) than budget brands.

 

[mseries]

Right lets think about this. To make something you'll need to alter the dimensions of the material that you start with. A saw obviously will cut something to length. A saw can also be used to cut a plank down lengthways (rip) but it'll leave a rough edge so you'll need a plane too to finesse the saw cut. For cutting your joints a tenon saw and chisels and mallet will be needed as well as some marking out tools such as ruler/tape, try-square, pencil and probably a marking gauge. You are keen to get going and don't have much money to spare so I'd say go ahead and get cheap tools but understand that you'll want/need to replace them. Or get decent used ones if you are comfortable and understand how to fettle them back into shape - even new tools need a bit of conditioning.

If you may only buy either a mitre saw or circular saw I'd advise the latter as it can be used with the aid of homemade guides as a cross cut (mitre) saw and may be used for ripping which a mitre saw can't be. You can make a start without such a saw though, just use hand tools and manpower to do the work

 

[James C]

I have worked with pallets before. Both with a personal upcycling project for my home and also with students at my school.

I would definitely recommend that a power sander is the way forward. Pallet timber is usually rough so will need to be smoothed. Planes are not suitable for this task as even after cleaning the pallets they can still have dirt, metal and other debris imbedded in them.

Also consider a pry bar or crow bar as they are very useful at breaking the pieces of pallets apart without causing splits around the large nails. I have used a hacksaw to cut through the nails between boards as well, this almost eliminates split pieces but takes a lot of time.

One of the things about working with pallets is learning to read the codes on them. Try to avoid ones that have had chemical treatment as the dust can be harmful. I used the following diagram to learn them.

 

[ash1008]

Thanks a lot for your replies everyone! That's extremely helpful. So I'll delay the circular saw until next time (saw a decent one on Screwfix if I can't find a similarly priced but better used saw) and I'll get a Stanley Fatmax hand saw instead. I'll get a belt sander soon when I can afford it. I'll have a look in next week's car boot sale for a crow bar.

James, may I ask what kind of pallet projects you took on with your students? I am in the position to be able to do the same and it sounds like a great idea.

How about a workmate? Valuable for pallet work?

 

[rafezetter]

This question comes up so often we should write a sticky guide.

regarding dismantling pallets I bought one of these and it's been a gamechanger, it's so simple now with very little destruction - a crow bar can work, but for £20 this makes removing pallet slats a breeze.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p63...=&pmt=&gclid=Cj0KEQjwl6GuBRD8x4G646HX7ZYBEiQA

free delivery over £10.

I would also look into buying a cheap but VINTAGE #4 or even better a #5 handplane, as cost vs effort vs results; it's far quicker than a belt sander, has a lot more finesse (belt sanders will really chew up a wood surface unless you are careful), and will give you other options like trimming slat sides for gluing that a belt sander cannot accomplish.

I'm stressing that buying an older #4 plane will be far better quality than anything made currently, and much less likely to need hours and hours of fettling before it gives you reasonable results. It's also likely that a forum member may have a spare or two they might be persuaded to part with.

 

[James C]

Thanks for that I definitely will look into that demolition lifter.

I have done a few bits like bird houses with some young students. We are thinking about looking at some other ideas.

Looking at pallet furniture on the Pinterest website is a good source for ideas.

 

[pike]

I've made a kids picnic table and a few other things from pallets lately and if I did any more I think I'd get myself a reciprocating saw for cutting through the screws and getting the boards separated easily. An old chisel and hammer works well to create a bit of a gap before cutting. This time I used a cheap old hand saw which was about to be thrown out anyway and it cut through the nails fast and easily.

Prying didn't work for me, it just damages the boards.

My ROS was good enough to clean the surfaces up a bit without over doing it.

 

[ash1008]

This question comes up so often we should write a sticky guide.

regarding dismantling pallets I bought one of these and it's been a gamechanger, it's so simple now with very little destruction - a crow bar can work, but for £20 this makes removing pallet slats a breeze.

free delivery over £10.

How does the pallet fare being pulled apart by this tool? I've seen videos on YouTube and some looks to be intact, but others are splitting and cracking everywhere. With a gentle touch does the timber remain in good condition?