One of the expected challenges when working with reclaimed wood is CRACKS. When working on my projects I thoroughly inspect all the wood both for it's character and it's strength. If the existing cracks can be worked with then I pull out my top secret weapon for crack stabilization.... the SLABSTITCHER!
I am a huge advocate for reclaiming lumber and using it to build modern furniture with a rustic farmhouse style. However, there are times that I must use new wood from the store! Giving new wood the look of natural barn wood takes a few steps to replicate both the texture and the color. I'm sharing with you my tried and true process during a faux beam build. These beams were getting installed near some of my barn wood furniture and they needed to match.
Not all old wood is meant for the fire. Some can find new life in the form of wall planks, furniture and decor. I harvest mine from barns and fences that have lived a long and happy life on the farm. There are a few tips I have for sorting salvaged boards and getting the most out of the wood available.
Looking at my shop these days everyone sees my walls covered in tools and my floor filled with machines. It wasn't always this way. In the beginning my woodworking business started with a budget friendly box store router. These days, when I'm approached by beginner woodworkers looking for tool suggestions I give them these five.