1. Home
  2. Woodturning Crafts
  3. Zircote toxicity

Zircote toxicity

I've searched all the resources Dogpile could find regarding toxicity and exotics, but couldn't find anything on zircote.

Does anyone have any info on toxicity or health hazards related to this wood? I've turned two shallow dishes from zircote (using a respirator mask, of course) and would like to finish them with a non-toxic finish for use in serving hors de ovres. The wood is gorgeous and I'd hate to relegate these dishes to the display rack.

As a follow-up question: if one uses potentially toxic woods, but finishes them with something like Behlen's Salad Bowl Finish, is the toxicity contained sufficiently to use the wood for serving food, or is this not a sufficient means of sequestering the toxins?

Any help would be appreciated.

TIA, Max

Reply to
Maxprop
Loading thread data ...

It's probably not an issue, except from a marketing standpoint. Whatever those toxins are may take days to leach into the food if that happens at all, but when people realize they are eating from a toxic wood, their appetites may be ruined.

Ken Grunke SW Wisconsin

formatting link
Coulee Region Woodturners AAW chapter
formatting link

Reply to
Ken Grunke

Ziricote is a bit dusty to sand, but is not known for any serious toxic problems. When you say 'serving food' it can mean anything from putting cookies and M&Ms on it, to eating soup from it. Almost any platter or dish, once sanded and finished is safe for simple things like party foods, but hot, cooked foods or liquids are a different matter. I would not suggest Ziricote for salad bowls, but that is just being conservative.

Reply to
Bill Day

I just won't tell 'em. :-)

Max

Reply to
Maxprop

About the worst wood I've ever turned in this respect. It has really made me think again toward getting a dust-handling system.

Veggies (mini carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.), crackers, or nuts are the normal fare for serving on those shallow bowls. According to your assessment they should pose no problem.

The wood is really beautiful. One of my favorites in terms of bulbous grain patterns. I also made a couple of small cutting boards from leftover stock.

Thanks for the info.

Max

Reply to
Maxprop

Just finish it with some lead based paint and you'll be fine ;-)

Reply to
Pain Devine

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.