Metal detector

[TAIrving]

Some of the recent postings have discussed using reclaimed wood, resawing, etc.  The subject of checking for metal in the wood is a recurring theme, the concern being that metal in the wood can/will damage our woodworking tools, including expensive saw blades and planer blades.

Question is, what do you use to detect the embedded metal?  Is there a metal detector on the market especially made for woodworking?  

[dgman]

I use this one. It easy to use and works very well. Available at any woodworking store or catalog like Woodcraft, Rockler, Klingsspor and Highland Woodworking.

[Wichman]

I use one like this, got it several years ago looking for a set of keys. I used it to check the wood from the tree in my front yard before they started slabbing it up. My test for the tree was to place a 4 penny nail under a 12" thick branch, easily alerted on the metal.

https://www.harborfreight.com/9-function-metal-detector-67378.html

[OCtoolguy]

4 hours ago, dgman said:

I use this one. It easy to use and works very well. Available at any woodworking store or catalog like Woodcraft, Rockler, Klingsspor and Highland Woodworking.

I had one like that at one time. I was at a Woodworking show, back when we had Woodworking shows, and the folks who were making these were handing out samples to get some interest going. I had one for a long time and it did work. I finally lost it somewhere. When I got into metal detecting as a hobby, I bought what they call a "pin-pointer". It is similar but the tip is finer. I works well also. I personally don't use pallet wood for that reason.

[Sycamore67]

I use a Harbor Fright one that is $39.

[Scrappile]

1 hour ago, Sycamore67 said:

I use a Harbor Fright one that is $39.

Get a 20% off coupon for Fathers Day weekend.  

[kmmcrafts]

I don't use reclaimed wood for many reasons but the possibility of metal is one of the reasons but not the main reason.. First off, sometimes with pallets the wood could have had toxic chemicals stacked on it and the possibility is there for those to have spilled / leaked onto the wood etc.. secondly is the fact that used pallets setting in a truck gets a lot of road dirt / grit on them and the sand and grime dulls blades just the same as a nail in a board so I personally don't use any reclaimed wood.. I used too, but that's how I learned all the above things is by being cheap ( or trying to save a dollar ) and ends up costing more than just buying ready milled wood for the most part.. I do run some boards through the bandsaw and make thin stock as needed otherwise I pretty much just buy 3/4" or 1" boards and make what I need from that. No worries about selling someone a wonderful project that may be toxic from a unknown chemical.. I might use some if I wasn't selling the things but that is the whole purpose for me is making money while having a good time making the stuff. 

[MarieC]

I am going to agree with Kevin @kmmcrafts and Ray @OCtoolguy for all the reasons they gave.  Plus I have a Saw Stop table saw and the brake will go off if the blade contacts a nail.  To replace the brake, after that happens is over $100 so I just stay away from anything that may have nails...so far so good!

[Sycamore67]

With the Sawstop, the brake may go if if you hit a nail.  I cut thru a screw earlier this week and no brake activation.  I usually check everything closely but missed this.  I was lucky.  My biggest problem is the dang staples they put in wood at the big box store.  Some of those staple are a real pain to find and get out.

I do not use recycled wood unless it is from something I have made.