How to Take Apart a Pallet Easily Without Breaking Any Boards
A few years ago all the craze was pallets. I had seen so many projects made with them that I thought I needed pallets, you know...to survive. I was so sure of my need that I made my husband dumpster dive for some. Poor hubby did the dive and got the prize ~ two pallets for me. ALL MINE! I had the pallets....now what?
And so they sat. I did do some half-hearted crafty stuff with them but nothing awesome. Then, I thought I should take them apart to salvage the wood.....
and so.......
I got the crowbar off the back wall of the garage and I started.....
and I sweat.......
and I sweat some more.....
and I used that crow bar like a pro {if the pro has no idea how to use one} and the wood did not POP off from the base {I'm pretty sure that's what was supposed to happen}....
and so the pallets sat again.......until
I saw an ad in a magazine for the Rockwell VersaCut Circular Saw. I ripped that ad out...showed it to my husband and was so sure that he wanted me to have it because of all the awesome things I would do with it......but
he did not see things the same way I did. He asked if I had ever used a power saw before and my answer was......well, no....but I have an electric drill...so I'm sure I'd be fine with a power saw.
He did not agree.
But then, the wonderful people at Rockler saw fit to let me have my dream saw and I love them for it!
I got the saw......I took it out of the box and then I quickly put it back in the box. I had saw fear.
But I needed to get over that fear and I am so glad I did. I read the manual from cover to cover....that's important with power tools you know...and I pulled out the worst of the two pallets and made a plan.
I looked things over and realized I didn't want to go anywhere near the nails. I wanted to cut smoothly parallel to the nails and save as much of the wood as possible. I put on some safety goggles and started the Rockwell VersaCut. Oh....my.....goodness....it was easy peasy!
I took my time, followed the directions and literally in less than 10 minutes I had this stack of beautiful usable wood to create with!
Now...I need to get over my fear of the jigsaw.
Here are a few of my other DIY's ~ I'm just starting!
Built in Shelf Redo using Milk Paint
Sharing at: Link Party Palooza, Best of the Weekend, Monday Funday at Setting for Four, Inspire Me Monday at Domestically Speaking, Memories by the Mile, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Work it Wednesday at The Turquoise Home
Wow! How fun! I've always been terrified of power tools. But, I also had just enough bravery to sign up for a community ed shop class in the evening at the local high school with a friend. We built furniture from rough lumber and I was nervous with every single step. We did this fours hours, once a week, for a few years. I guess it's good to have respect for power tools. 😉
I can't wait to see what else you do with your new handy dandy power tool. You rock, girlie!!
That class you took sounds wonderful, Diane! What a great way to learn and get accustomed to using power tools. You are awesome!
What a great post! I think most people who have never used power saws can relate to this. Me on the other hand, give me a power tool and Ill figure it out in no time lol. Something relaxing about using them..kinda makes you feel like you rule the world..I dont know how to explain it lol. I do the same thing with pallets, but if I need the longer boards I cut off the ends and then pry the boards off of the middle board that they are attached too..make sense? After the ends are cut off that center board "pops" right off haha. Ill pin this and spread the love 🙂 If you have time stop by my blog. I would love it!
Have a great and safe holiday weekend!
Jess
Mary Beth...We LOVE Rockler!!! And the saw was perfect for working on the pallet wood! Thanks so much for sharing w/ Twirl and Take a Bow my friend xo
I am a Rockler junkie, Robin! They have so many amazing products.