Preping old used lumber

[imported_Tim_ber]

Hey guys I came across some old used lumber that was giving to me from a construction site, from an old country style house. Maple, Red/white Oak, Cherry and Birch and couple more that I'm not too sure what they are.

Before I use any of my tools on them I was wondering whats the first thing I shoul be concerned about. As far as some kind of detector.

thanks

[imported_Bob D.]

I would want to check for any embeded nails/screws/other metal that could destroy blades or bits.

I have a bunch of old 1 x 12" rough cut pine that was used for shelving in an old auto parts store that was demolished about 15 years ago. I went by there one day and they were ripping out the old shelving and throwing it in a 40 yard dumpster. the pieces were 10, 12 & 16 foot long, all 1 x 12" pine. This stuff dates from the early 1920s I was told by a guy who worked there back when they installed the shelving which was used in the stockroom. I asked and they said I could have as much as I wanted, I took two pickup truck loads and built some shelving with it in my basement, and used some of the other stuff for various projects. I gave away a bunch too. when I moved to my next house I used some more for shelving there, and now my present house I have used up the last of it except for a few pieces for shelving in the garage. For the stuff I have used for projects I have scanned it with a Lumber Wizard to look for nails and stuff of which there has been plenty. But to have bought this much wood would have easily cost me $400 or more. I know I had more than a hundred 1 x 12 x 12' (or longer) boards. I wish I had taken it all now.

Anyway, $40 or 80 bucks for a lumber wizard will pay for itself once it saves you from ruining a couple baldes.

Happy New Year everyone!

[imported_Tim_ber]

Thanks for the reply Bob

Where do I find this lumber wizard is it like a detector or something.

[imported_Bob D.]

Most of the woodworking online stores have them. Amazon probably has them, Woodcraft (brick and motar stores) have them too.

Link to Amazon tool section (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005NMUN/qid=1104546867/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-tools/002-6046001-6956012?v=glance&s=hi&n=228013)

Lumber Wizard at New Yankee web site (http://www.newyankee.com/gettools.cgi?25505)

[ 01-02-2005, 09:38 AM: Message edited by: Bob D. ]