tool question...planer

A planer is the right tool for the job...but nails would wreck the blades. I wouldn't run pallet wood through my planer even if I had a metal detector.

A planer will do the job, but even one nail or stapler will wreck the blades in a second. I wouldn't run pallet wood through a planer.

I've experimented with using pallet wood and wasn't very happy with the amount of effort it took, between pulling the pallet apart and getting a decent surface. On a better made pallet you can't pull the nails without cracking the wood, so you wind up with mostly short lengths. I only got a few viable pieces.

For me it was easier and cheaper to just purchase rough lumber and plane it. Find a local lumber mill, their prices are much better than prices at a store.

If you're going to surface your own lumber you'll need a jointer as well as a planer. The jointer makes a flat reference surface on your board. The planer makes the opposite side of the board parallel to your reference serface. These are deep waters though: this is machinery that requires a fairly complex setup and maintenance, and if you don't set them up properly you won't be happy with your results. Fortunately magazines and websites like Fine Woodworking and StartWoodworking have good tutorials if you're willing to take the plunge.

I use pallet wood for just about all my weekend builds. Its cheap (free) and if you get the pallets before they are weather it makes for a good looking wood. I use my ridgid to plan all my wood even pallet wood. Yes you need to make sure all nails and staples are removed thats a no brainer. Use a planner and stop wasting time...Good luck

I use pallet wood for just about all my weekend builds. Its cheap (free) and if you get the pallets before they are weather it makes for a good looking wood. I use my ridgid to plan all my wood even pallet wood. Yes you need to make sure all nails and staples are removed thats a no brainer. Use a planner and stop wasting time...Good luck