Building Commercial Migratory Pallets, with Pallet Plans

[Chip Euliss]

AdvanTek sounds good except for the price but may be worth it if it lasts like Steel Ply. I hadn't thought of dipping them in wax but it does sound like a good idea. What do you use to dip them in Keith?

[Keith Jarrett]

What do you use to dip them in Keith?

Chip, I dip mine in parafin wax, they don't rought, the only damage to the pallets is from the forklift. I have no idea who's drives that thing.

[dback]

the only damage to the pallets is from the forklift.

Yep....and I don't care how much you spend on plywood.....in the "Battle of the Move", ain't a laminate out there gonna scratch that forklift. I guess for some of you, investing in top quality materials is legitimate....we move stuff so often, it's the rare pallet that dies of natural causes. Guess it's that halfassed thing.

[jim lyon]

Is anyone able to find 1"x6" lumber that has a treatment designed to protect them from direct contact with the ground? All we can find is 2" lumber with a below grade exposure rating.

[Chip Euliss]

Ain't that the truth!! And it always seems it's the good pallet you trash instead of the one that's rotten anyway! Keith what kind of pot do you heat the paraffin in? I'd guess that just getting the top side sealed would solve most problems. Also, straight paraffin or some mix? Thanks. Chip

[dback]

Jim.....we use the 1 x 6 redwood fence material (available at your favorite 'Home Center") ...... costs a couple of bucks per pallet and usually outlasts the rest of the pallet.

Just an idea.....

[Keith Jarrett]

Keith what kind of pot do you heat the paraffin in?

Chip, this is a pic of the pallet wax tank, we burn scrap boxes ect for heat it works really well for us, we use end candle run wax, you can buy the stuff for about $.30-.50lb. We dip anything that is wood that is out in the weather. Keith

[jim lyon]

Keith: Do you use any treated lumber at all?

[Keith Jarrett]

No, Jim, I buy the pallets already made from used pallet co fresno,CA 559-260-7705 for $14 all put together clips & all. I paint boxes ONE time. It's a little slower than just painting but, your wooden ware will last 30-50 years IF the forklift doesn't get it to them first.

[Chip Euliss]

Thanks Keith, I'm going to give this a try--should solve the rot problem. I can see how I might modify some stuff here to make it work for me. I use cypress to elevate the hives on the plywood and treated lumber beneath so I'm going to just coat the top and sides of the plywood. I'll have to look into an inexpensive source for wax. Since I lease my bees out in winter, this is my "repair and get ready" season; I'll start removing the old rotten pallet tops tomorrow!

[Keith Jarrett]

. I'll have to look into an inexpensive source for wax. Since I lease my bees out in winter,

Chip, I can't remember the name but, the place was in Los Angles,CA do a search under candle wax in that general location, maybe bring the wax back with the bees.

[Chip Euliss]

Thanks Keith. I'll follow-up. Chip

[Keith Jarrett]

Chip, a few more pics,
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...y/100_1584.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...100_1587-1.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...y/100_1585.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...y/100_2271.jpg

[Chip Euliss]

The pics help. There's a guy in town who could build something that will work. Started looking for candle scrap and found that were scented. Think the scent would affect the bees in any way? I was hoping for just plain old wax without scent

[gmcharlie]

Any of you guys ever try the plastic pallets?? there are several versions. but where I am at pallets only last a year or maybe two and the bottom is rotten. thinking on trying some plastic this spring.

[Mtn. Bee]

Keith,
Here is the pics of my pallet/hive box wax dipping tank, decided to go with steel instead of SS to save on cost since it is wax coated anyways! Also have steel channel welded on bottom for my forks to fit in for easy moving of tank and I plan on insulating like you did, great idea!
Tank is 42"x42"x18"


http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0f2bd665.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3c73d4d2.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/...ps39375d36.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0645034c.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/...psefcce116.jpg

[soupcan]

Menards still sells 1x6 treated lumber.
I have heard that a bunch of all this construction " stuff " is a getting shipped back east at a record pace!
Even with using treated lumber every thing still gets dipped in the tank & left to dry for a good many weeks before use.