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Wood to stay away from (Question)

I just read an interesting article of woods that turners felt others should stay away from. Here in Kentucky, I am lucky to be able to find numerous woods that are great for turning. I was wandering what others might have experienced and what woods you would recommend staying away from. Let if be known, I'll probably turn something you tell me not too anyways, just because I like to see for myself what will happen (unless it means I'll be covered in a horrible rash or other such ailment).

Personally, the only wood I would recommend caution on would be Mimosa. It is a beautiful wood, turns nicely, but there is something in the wood that can be overpowering to the nose. I mean it literally burns the nose and makes my eyes water.

Also, red oak is a wood that I'd only try to turn when wet. It becomes extremely hard when dry.

These are just my experiences and look forward to here others.

JD

Reply to
JD
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I truly hate red oak... A friend sent me 3 or 4 kiln dried bowl blanks and they were miserable to turn..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Reply to
mac davis

Reply to
robo hippy

I'd encourage you to avoid anything that is poisonous, particularly she-oak, silky oak and others related to poison ivy/poison oak - the resultant doctor bills will deplete your tool kitty nicely

Reply to
William Noble

One of many similar lists.

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The darker the wood and the more durable it is in contact with the ground, the more extractives it has which could sensitze or irritate your mucosa. If the materials were not "natural," the bureaucrats would probably have to put warnings on or ban them. I think red oak is attractive, and it's no more difficult to turn than many others. Work in red oak has always sold well, too. Looks good even without a finish.
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Reply to
George

Cypress - the odor is strong and stays with you after you shower, dress and drive to the other side of town. Some mention it as hazardous, others adour the semi- sweet odor. just my 2c

Reply to
Max63

Sheoak (allocasuarina fraseriana) is not poisonous, I have turned large amounts and had to dispose of about 1/2 tonne when I moved house as there was no room in a 40' seatainer for anything else. I also had to dump Norfolk Island pine, Jarrah, Olive, Almond and many others. Like Jarrah, the dust can be a nasal irritant, causing sneezing, so I always wear a mask.

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rotten pictures of the grain.
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Reply to
Alan

Australian pine and pecan: Seasoned it turns like concrete tho pecan can be attractive.

She oak; Red itchy rash on my arms.

Slash pine: Sticky, it gums up the works and isn't very pretty.

Sabal palm: Why bother? Ok I did one and quit.

Brazilian pepper: Other than proving I can turn it, why would I ?

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

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Reply to
Arch

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