I’m always on the lookout for orphaned boards. I’ve reclaimed lots of useful material from old pallets, downed trees, remodeling job sites and salvage yards; I’ve even rescued weathered siding from old barns. I try to remove all the nails, dirt and grit before sawing my salvaged treasures. But to make sure I don’t damage one of my expensive blades, I cut these boards with an inexpensive 7-1/4-in. circular saw blade purchased at a home center. These blades can cut boards as thick as 1-1/2 in. and they’re designed for tough use, with teeth made from a softer but less brittle grade of carbide.
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.