Salvaging Wood From Wine Bottle Boxes

Wooden wine boxes are made from thin wood that is just right for making small things in the shop. Getting them apart can be tricky because the wood can easily split or crack. The thinner wood of the box bottom is secured with staples. These are easier to remove than the nails used in the thicker wood of the outside of the boxes. The nails are often the ring type which are difficult to remove.

Supplies

TOOLS

Tablesaw

Hammer

Blade screwdriver

Wire cutter

Step 1: Removing the Bottom

I was given a few wooden wine boxes and made a hash of the first one I tried to disassemble. I realized that cutting off the bottom was the way to go.

Remove the guarding from the tablesaw and lower the blade so it extends only far enough to cut through the bottom of the box. The third photo shows the blade about half way through the left side of the box bottom. With both sides cut through and the bottom pieces removed, you can break out the short sections of wood and then pry out the staples with a wire cutter. To remove the longer pieces of wood, tap a screw driver under the wood to pry it off. Remove the staples there also. Note that the bottom pieces of wood are secured with a tongue and groove joint. Just slide the two pieces apart.

Step 2: Disassembling the Box

I hung the box over the bench vise and gently tapped at the corners to ease the pieces apart. Using a blade screwdriver, the pieces were separated. The nails were tapped out part way and then pulled. With this done the wood is ready for use.

What to make your salvaged wood? I made this candy thermometer box many years ago.