Kevin DesPlanques
01-08-2010, 12:49 PM
I have just joined this forum and think that I will be able to gain a good deal of knowledge from your members and I feel that I can add my two cents worth as well. I have had some very severe reactions to several types of woods; mahogany has given me the worst. This wood has given me poison ivy type rashes all over my body, some places I do not care to mention. Walnut has also given me these symptoms but not as severe. The type of woodworking well to say the least is about a dusty as it gets. I build stack laminated furniture and the entire shape is sculpted in with abrasives. I took several years off from doing something that I love to do and have started sculpting again. I have been working with birch and red oak and have not had any issues as of yet. I am getting ready to start on a rocking chair made from bubinga, flame maple with some ebony accents. I know that this piece would put me in a world of hurt if I did not protect myself. I have a full face supplied air respirator that protects my breathing and face and have ordered some Tyvek suits to keep the dust off of me. I will also be wearing protective gloves. It sucks but it is the only way I can do what I love. I taught wood shop for 12 years and had a poorly ventilated shop which contributed to my sensitivities; I strongly urge every one to take care of contact before it gives you issues such as mine. I still have about 400 board feet of this mahogany and am afraid to work with it again. The last piece I built was made from birch and did not suffer any reactions other that a slight burning sensation on my face. The picture of the mahogany chair was a very nice piece and the wood is a pleasure to sculpt the side effects are just not worth it.