That is really just a fancy way of saying that I build another wood store today from my collection of old pallet wood. The speed with which that new chainsaw lets me process my collection of logs into cut and split pieces for drying has added a new incentive to increase my storage capacity.

The problem with pallets is that they are very inconsistent. There are multiple designs out there and in all sorts of conditions. Sometimes they come apart easily and sometimes they need extra persuasion (eg. sawing through nails and screws) and / or splinter and crack. I have the archetype of a design in my head (base, two sides, shelf half way up, roof and suitable bracing to keep it rigid) but the details of how to get there has to be improvised each time, assessing, probing and creating with the available materials.

It would be a lot easier and vastly more expensive to buy lumber cut to standardised proportions but I have to confess that I rather enjoy the ‘jazziness’ of creating each one afresh. Of course, tomorrow, I will need to load it up with the processed firewood and see it if stands up to that critical test but I am quietly confident.