Need advise. Reclaimed lumber. Nail removal.

[ear3]

I just ordered the extractor.  Kind of annoyed -- I paid for the reclaimed oak beams I'm working with right now to be denailed, but I keep coming across stray nails.  I understand a couple here and there, but I'm looking at one beam right now that has almost a dozen nails still in it.  And it's not like they simply overlooked that beam -- some of the nail holes are empty so someone clearly worked on the board.

I've got a call in to the lumber source to see if I might be able to switch out some beams if necessary, as I have to run these things through the thickness planer, and they would destroy my blades.  I also broke down and ordered a Garrett metal scanner so I can be  more precise than just running a supermagnet over the surface, as I've been doing up till now.  It's not going to arrive until Monday though, so I'm gonna lose some valuable time once I finish cleaning the boards and have to sit on them pending receipt of the scanner.  [mad] 

I've got one of these and it is brilliant for removing nails as long as a small amount is available to grip. If the nail is dead flush then a little dig with an old chisel will enable the jaws to grip.

The leverage that the tool delivers is much greater than what you get with a claw hammer so it will move old rusty nails easily.

http://www.nailextractor.com/

 

[Bohdan]

While you are waiting you could try a magnet hanging on a long string just above the timber.

Hang the magnet and slide the beam underneath it, if there is a nail it will deflect towards the nail.

 

[deepcreek]

Edward,

The last time I worked with reclaimed lumber, I spent HOURS trying to remove nails that were so rusty they had literally bonded to the surrounding wood.  Afterwards, I talked with another furniture maker who works with the stuff every day and he told me to get one of the pneumatic nail removal guns on Amazon for about $50. You can either leave the holes or fill them with a dowel.

Amazon Link -http://a.co/gaOJ5OH  Air locker ap700 professional Punch Nailer/Nail Remover

I also bought the Garrett Super Scanner V to get the best possible readings.  Much better tool than the Wizard.  If it chirps, there's still metal embedded.  I paid a lot more locally because I needed it right away.  They're well under $150 on Amazon. 

Amazon Link -http://a.co/iYj7zpT

I still managed to miss nails and ruined a TS55 blade because I didn't believe the scanner.  I ended up doing all the flattening on my drum sander because it was cheaper to ruin belts than jointer/planer blades.  And yes, I ruined several belts as nails appeared.

Good luck!

 

[ear3]

Thanks [member=6237]deepcreek[/member] The super v is what I ordered. And I just placed the order for the nail puncher. 45 bucks is a lot cheaper than a new blade, planer knives 9r domino bit.

 

[RKA]

I wish I knew about that nail puncher.  I spent hours dismantling a crate with the extractor.  Watching paint dry is more fun.

 

[Motown]

I am literally doing this exact job right now and would 2nd the nail extractor recommendation, its an awesome tool:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00461AFY0/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For my specific project, I am removing nails from molding and casing. If the nail is protruding this tool makes it super easy to pull it out. For larger nails that are flush with the surface I am pulling them out of the back side of the casing. This does create a little blow out but its not that big of deal because it won't be seen.

 

[ear3]

I always just used an angle grinder in those situations!

I am literally doing this exact job right now and would 2nd the nail extractor recommendation, its an awesome tool:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00461AFY0/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For my specific project, I am removing nails from molding and casing. If the nail is protruding this tool makes it super easy to pull it out. For larger nails that are flush with the surface I am pulling them out of the back side of the casing. This does create a little blow out but its not that big of deal because it won't be seen.

 

[Wooden Skye]

Does that nailer work with all types of nails?  Anybody have a video on how it works?  I have some boards I'm removing nails from, but they are cut nails I believe.