Pallet wood versatility

[piratebob]

I wouldn't exactly call this a project to brag about and it's certainly not my best work but it is worth mentioning.
My wife works with the elderly and one of her clients is a disabled senior citizen that is home bound, this individual is also living on a strict budget and as such, for lack of a better way to put it, doesn't have the ability to afford new furniture.
My wife and I, after discussing her clients issues, decided to aid this person with a replacement dresser that was sorely needed. I often try to do projects of this nature to help others less fortunate.
Anyways long story short I built this dresser and designed it according to the specific needs required to fit in the space and to insure no injuries could occur from any falls.
I used good clean pallet wood to build this dresser from and it turned out quite good even though its a basic structure.
With the exception of the handles and full extension drawer slides this dresser is made up of 100% pallet wood.
Hope this helps to inspire fellow woodworkers to see the value in reclaimed lumber and its versatility.

[LAHobbyGuy]

Very nice! I do a lot of pallet wood myself. Can't live without my pallet buster, metal detector and air operated nail remover! Kudos for giving back!

Rich

[olivialewis]

Have you ever wondered what kind of wood is used to make pallets? Some individuals aren't even aware that different types of wood may be used to make pallets. Pallets composed of both wood and plastic are available nowadays. Many individuals like using wooden pallets over plastic ones. If plastic pallets can be mended at all after breaking, it is extremely difficult. Although plastic pallets may be recycled, the act of recycling them already depletes the environment. Wood pallets are an excellent choice for economic effectiveness and the environment because they can be readily recycled. Furthermore, it is quite simple to make repairs to a wooden pallet if necessary! Plastic pallet production has a greater environmental effect than wood pallet production. Plastics are created from petroleum, which is derived from fossil fuels, whereas wood is a renewable raw resource. The majority of the time, wood is not only the more environmentally friendly alternative, but it is also the more economical one. Pallets typically last for 10 years with minimal maintenance.

[Lowteck]

I liked what I saw. I appreciate that you can use your hands to help people in need. I wish I had such talent, time, and fortitude to do such work. Thanks to you for your efforts to help.!

[piratebob]

Have you ever wondered what kind of wood is used to make pallets? Some individuals aren't even aware that different types of wood may be used to make pallets. Pallets composed of both wood and plastic are available nowadays. Many individuals like using wooden pallets over plastic ones. If plastic pallets can be mended at all after breaking, it is extremely difficult. Although plastic pallets may be recycled, the act of recycling them already depletes the environment. Wood pallets are an excellent choice for economic effectiveness and the environment because they can be readily recycled. Furthermore, it is quite simple to make repairs to a wooden pallet if necessary! Plastic pallet production has a greater environmental effect than wood pallet production. Plastics are created from petroleum, which is derived from fossil fuels, whereas wood is a renewable raw resource. The majority of the time, wood is not only the more environmentally friendly alternative, but it is also the more economical one. Pallets typically last for 10 years with minimal maintenance.

Sadly pallets are not held in high regard, especially here in southern california, even though many are beginning to understand the true value of pallets this country alone throws out cuts up and tosses in the trash or even burns over 10 million pallets per month if I remember correctly. I always try to take advantage of them as long as their not exposed to any form of chemicals, molds, or paints.

[nabors]

One thing to keep in mid is that if the pallet is painted light blue and only has nine solid blocks on the bottom instead of cross-braces, those are rented pallets, not owned by the company that has them.

[piratebob]

All the pallet wood I get comes from the printing industry, I receive large volumes of paper at my day job contained on solid pine pallets that are comparable to that of dimensional lumber ( 1 x 4's, 1 x 5's, 1 x 6's, and 1 x 8's slats including the 2 x 4's.)

[NCTom]

You all may know this, just an add. When working with or burning old pallets, look for the "HT" stamp to know that the wood is "Heat Treated". Otherwise, your pallet may be chemically treated.

[tairving]

And you do NOT want to work with wood, pallet or otherwise, that has been chemically treated!

[Swishair]

Beautiful piece, I wish I could find better pallets in my area, seems everyone is grabbing them up. Thanks for giving back.