Toxic Wood Listing

I just found this list of woods that have toxic effects, and surprisingly quite a few are used to make reel seat inserts. It goes to show that it always pays to use a respirator when working with any type of woods, and a dust collection system is also something to be considered.
http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/wood2.html

You can use your shop vac or a box fan to help pull the dust and chips away from the operator. Here's a very low cost system that ANYONE can incorporate into their woodworking shop for less than $20:
http://www.woodzone.com/tips/dustcollect.htm

There are dozens of other ideas for dust collection by Googling "home made dust collection system"

Joe

thanks Joe

oak .. who'd a thunk that ?

That is interesting stuff and if you dig into it you will find many many more to add to that list. The intersting thing about it is that the levels of toxin are relative to the levels of resistance in ones body, thus, most would see nor experience any issues with most of these on the list while others may break out in a rash or experience some sort of other symptoms. Still yet, it pays to be really careful with ANY type of dust or residue!!

A group of local wood turners met with a fellow that had turned aspen for 30 or so years. He developed an allergy that nearly killed him. He is now dying aspen and other woods on the stump and then selling the lumber to crafts folk and cabinet makers. www.tswoods.com if you are interested or want to make a colorful reel seat.

My wife tried to carve walnut a few yrs ago and very quickly found that she could not handle it.. I think we are all have allergies to something but may not have found it yet.