Didn't go into it because I have nothing to contribute being an amateur, but yep, anyone working with shipping pallets should read authoritative sources on safety first. If you don't see that HT stamp, move on. And luckily they're a lot of effort to disassemble to a point of discouragement.
Surface detail was a scroll saw and power-carving with a cheap rotary tool. Flex shaft, assortment of diamond coated burrs, and some patience. Just started getting into power carving and I have a long way to go, but enough can be done with just a hand file and sanding: https://i.imgur.com/kjLPtGu.jpg
Like others said, reclaiming wood - even mediocre to bad wood - can be a satisfying part of that hobby. I took a beat up pallet and turned it into a storage chest. It filled up my summer and fall and half of winter. The reclaiming labor was worth it alone: https://imgur.com/gallery/jpFNJPB
Surface detail was a scroll saw and power-carving with a cheap rotary tool. Flex shaft, assortment of diamond coated burrs, and some patience. Just started getting into power carving and I have a long way to go, but enough can be done with just a hand file and sanding: https://i.imgur.com/kjLPtGu.jpg