Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 24, 2005 06:38am | #1

   Here's a low tech way to find nails: take a ceramic disc magnet (also called a "super magnet"), put it in a small, clear plastic container ( a perscription pill container works well) and slide it over the wood. How the magnet moves will tell you whether there is a nail.

   As far as the high tech stuff is concerned., I like this one: 24902 Little Wizard II Metal Detector. It sells for about $15, but it only detects a nail if the detector is directly over it.

   The wand type detector is easier to use, since you can simply sweep it over the entire board. Flooring shouldn't be a problem, since any nails (or fragments) will be in the tongue. But for other stock, I often use the two in combination: that is, sweep the board with the wand, and then zero in with the Little Wizard.

   Here is the Amazon page where you can look at them both:

   http://tinyurl.com/9sno4

   ********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

2. 
   TomT226 | May 24, 2005 01:59pm | #2

   Check out Rockler and Woodworkers Supply.  They both carry the Wizard metal detectors.  The stationary unit looks better.  I have the handheld, but sometimes it doesn't pick up everything.

   You can rent a very sensitive metal detector from a surveyors supply business.  Used these for years.  They'll pick up a 60D nail 2' underground, or a tack under 4" of asphalt.  Should be able to get one for about $20 a week.

   If you do get a nick, just move one knife over a little.  It'll take the raised line right out.

3. 
   BillW | May 24, 2005 02:02pm | #3

   Just curious - why plane the wood?  Why not install it as is, then sand/finish as you would a new floor?  Or are you salvaging it for some other use?

1. 
   grnbmw | May 25, 2005 06:29am | #6

   Hi Bill

   The wood spent the last 100-120 years as a floor in a barn and as a result is well worn the back is rough sawn and white washed. Planing seemed the best way to bring in new life for a loft (floor from the top ceiling from the bottom.

   KB

4. 
   JohnSprung | May 24, 2005 08:37pm | #4

   Here's a relevant post from the Tools folder:

    

   PIerre1 asked for a report on the Zircon MT-6 expensive fancy metal detector.  I've had a chance to give it a good try, and it certainly works better than any stud finder I've seen on old lath and plaster walls.  It can detect quite accurately the little 2d or 3d nails that hold the lath to the studs, which tells you where the studs are.  It also finds electrical black pipe and copper water lines.

   I've also tried it for finding broken nails embedded in old lumber before re-milling it.  Mark over at Knots suggested powerful rare-earth magnets for that, so I tried the 1" cube magnet from:

   http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=21&KeyWords=Cube&All=True

   To keep the magnet from getting dirty with impossible to remove tiny fragments of steel, I put it in a heavy plastic bag.  I found that I can find studs by dangling the magnet in the bag against the wall and moving it horizontally until it tugs at the tiny nails.  When it finds black pipe, it pulls strongly enough to stick itself to the wall.

   Bottom line, the MT-6 and the 1" cube magnet in a plastic bag are pretty much a wash for sensitivity and accuracy in finding studs and black pipe.  The MT-6 will also find copper and brass, but for ten times the price.

    

   -- J.S.

5. 
   Shep | May 24, 2005 09:59pm | #5

   Just use a sharp chisel or tool on the wood.

   At least for me, they seem to be a better metal detector than anything you can buy.

   For some reason , dull tools don't seem to work so well.