Reclaiming Wood For Making Toys or Other Projects - Is it worth the trouble?


Reclaiming Wood From a Futon with Staples Protruding From The End of the Board
Reclaiming Wood From a Futon with Staples Protruding From The End of the Board
I have used reclaimed a lot over the years. I have reclaimed wood from pallets, packing crates, furniture, and flooring. One thing I have come to understand is that reclaimed wood can be costly. Ruining one bandsaw blade or table saw blade can altogether cancel any savings you may get.

Making Compound Cut Bird House Christmas Ornaments From Reclaimed Wood
Making Compound Cut Bird House Christmas Ornaments From Reclaimed Wood



I recently ruined a new resaw blade when I nicked a bit of staple. If I had cut it, I would have only dulled the blade a bit. By touching the steel staple on one side, only the teeth were dull on that side, causing the blade to track sharply to that side so bad that I had to replace it. That salvaged wood cost me more than $25.

 

Making A Play Pal Pickup Truck From Reclaimed Wood
Making A Play Pal Pickup Truck From Reclaimed Wood


You also need to consider the time, labor, and material involved in disassembly, removing hardware and finish. It's probably much closer to $1.00 today. When I add all this together and ad the risk of damaging tools, the cost is a lot higher than free and, in some cases, more expensive than buying the wood at the big box store. 

Compound Cut Birdhouse Christmas Ornament Made From Reclaimed Wood
Compound Cut Birdhouse Christmas Ornament Made From Reclaimed Wood

Do not forget transportation costs in the total.  Based on a study done by AAA some years ago, I figure $0.75 per mile to operate my truck. The latest figures I can find are for 2017 are $0.86 per mile. Using this number gives a cost of $8.86 for ten miles. Driving all over town looking for broken furniture to reclaim at yard sales can get quite expensive.

I still reclaim some wood. After looking at how much it cost me, I now only bring home wood to reclaim if it is in my neighborhood, someone brings it to me, or I happen to drive by a piece that has been put out for the trash.

If you have lots of time and no money reclaiming wood can be a good thing, but you consider all the factors and proceed carefully. Otherwise, that large pile of wood you are salvaging might turn out to be very expensive.

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