Question about wood & fungus/mold

As a newbie I went about collecting logs for turning and waxing the ends until I could cut them into blanks. Unfortunately, many developed fungus or mold on the outside and I ended up getting a pretty bad allergic rash from handling them. I solved that problem by paying somebody else to chainsaw them into blanks for me, but i'd like to be able to kill the mold on them before I take them to the bandsaw or lathe.

Does anyone know whether soaking them in alcohol will kill the mold on them? I figure if I soak each blank overnight I may be able to get rid of the mold and can then handle the blanks...

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated...

Chuck

Reply to
caaron
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I don't know if alcohol will work but I've used a mild solution of Clorox bleach and water to kill mold and mildew.

I'd give the blanks a light spray>As a newbie I went about collecting logs for turning and waxing the ends

Reply to
Bertie Pittman

You're probably allergic to the proteins, irritated by the spores. Anything will wash off the spores, and alcohol won't "kill" them, not that it would make a difference.

Take the bark off, with protection, and wash the wood with water or even air to get rid of the majority, and turn.

Reply to
George

Thanks for the suggestions. I did dip the blanks into a solution of bleach and water, which seems to have killed off the mold. I'll have to wait until they are dry to see if I can safely handle them...

Chuck

Reply to
caaron

If the wood is small enough and your oven controllable, bake it at

170-200 F for about 4-12 hours. It won't burn (unless the thermostat is off) and it will kill all the organisms including termites, fungi, etc. However, it might still give you allergic reactions. Wear a good respirator all the time. I do this with bowls once they're done if I suspect there are still termites or fungi growing in them.

Dips and washes might not kill deep > Thanks for the suggestions. I did dip the blanks into a solution of bleach

Reply to
Mark Fitzsimmons

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