RECLAIMED LUMBER

Trees aren't the only game in town when it comes to lumber sources. Give old wood a second look for your next project.

- LUCAS PETERS, BOB HUNTER

As woodworkers, we tend to believe A and of wood's lifecycle from tree to completed project. But locked away in dilapidated barn beams, discarded headboards, and demolished houses a treasure trove of lumber awaits its reincarnation as your next project.

There are many reasons to work with salvaged wood. If you're willing to trade sweat equity for value, you can save some hard-earned cash. Or maybe you're after the rustic look in the first place, so the appeal is the salvaged style. Provenance provides another purpose, emphasizing the personal or historical connection to the wood's past life.

Regardless of your reasons, seeking and salvaging lumber takes a practiced eye and a little extra care. Check out our advice on Where to Find Salvageable Lumber, on page 66, and then read on for tips on how to work with the lumber you reclaim.

RENEWING OLD STOCK

Underneath that weathered exterior lies prized lumber ... along with a few gotchas. If you're working that lumber back to raw wood, adding a few additional steps can protect your tools and your health.

First, don't skimp on the safety precautions. On top of generations of embedded dirt, reclaimed lumber might also carry mold, animal feces, or traces of lead paint, all of which become airborne as soon as you start sanding or cutting. Combine a respirator and dust collection to protect your lungs along with goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Blade-dulling dangers lurk in timeworn wood as well. Tackle them in three major steps before machining the wood to final dimensions at your tablesaw, jointer, and planer:

1. Remove the metal