I’m cleaning up my workshop. It’s better than it was already, and I’m trying to make some rules about what off-cuts to keep. Because I have sooo much that’s probably junk, but I could totally make a drawer pull or handle out of it. Or use it for a small jig, or whatever. And sometimes I do, but mostly it’s just tiny pieces of wood.
I mostly make smaller things, so I do use smaller pieces, but I need to set myself some rules. I’m thinking something like, junk any plywood that’s less than 1 foot square, and any boards that are less than half a boardfoot.
Tim, I have collected boxes of expensive wood scraps, and then end up giving them away,to people who make small boxes, Intarsia, turners. The scraps I keep can be glued together to make larger “rainbow” boards to make cutting boards, block planes, trays, just about anything you want. I don’t use much plywood,or particle board, that stuff goes into jigs that are thrown away after use.
Tim, that is the hard part,it gets to the point where you have boxes stacked up and you need the room, so into the garbage they go,even though it is a tough decision. It was not always that way when you could burn in the fireplace.
Herb
I would say that there is no complete solution,as all industries create waste of some kind, and the only way not to create any is to not do any woodworking. Even if some could be reused there is a percentage that is unsuitable. Another way ,I suppose is to put a time limit on any waste,and if it is not used by that time, out it goes.
Herb
The plywood, - spline them into usable panels…
lumber, - make ring or jewelry boxes… humidors furniture accents…
glue them into blocks for turning or panels…,…
got enough of pieces you can make a mighty fine newel…
That first pic on topic of Scrapers I posted on this forum shows what I do with the scrap rips that pile up. I make wide boards out of them, some glue and bar clamps they can be glued together as all the same or a “rainbow” board. I have done this for years and there is a demand for those kind of boards, and they make small projects that are multicolored. I use 1/16" wide on up and space them to contrast. I will show some projects soon.
Build this clever key hanger in an hour with two strips of contrasting wood. Each set of keys has its own small fob which nests in between the spacers. Opposing bevels in the spacers and fobs keep your keys from falling on the floor.
If you’re anything like me, once a project is finished, there’s a lot of off-cut lumber left over. Throwing it away feels like a waste. Instead, use it to make this cool little catapult. Put it on your desk at work and annoy your coworkers,
This is a subject dear to my heart. If you have scraps, a table saw to size them, glue , and clamps, make a board out of them. It is only the limit of your imagination as to what pattern they can be laid up into. Make your own board .
Herb
I do have a fireplace for burning cut-offs in, although that’s not really doable in the summer.
