I also realize that many, if not most, wood workers do not have endangered species lists memorized, therefore I think it worthwhile and important to do even a small amount of research before purchasing any lumber, domestic as well as imported, to be certain of the potential impact you are having, even in a small way, on threatened or endangered populations. This information is easy to come by and takes only minutes to locate through any Internet search engine, including those you can access on your phone as you are standing in the lumber yard or store. Unfortunately, you simply cannot count on a vendor to tell you a product they are selling is endangered.
Health Hazards
While Afzelia spp. is not known to cause any severe or serious adverse health reactions, it has been reported to cause minor skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, including sneezing.
In addition, the long-term negative effects of exposure to sawdust of any species are well documented.
It is important to remember that although many people may, or may not, be sensitive to any given wood the only experience that truly counts is your own, so use reported side effects as guidance but not as a substitute for cautious and safe practices.
Appropriate protective equipment is therefore always recommended when working with this, or any other, wood, exotic or domestic, unless you have worked with the species before and are certain you are not sensitive to it.
Complete information about health hazards associated with a wide variety of exotic hardwoods is available from The Wood Database. Additional information about how to best use a dust collection system and personal protective equipment, such as respirators, can also be found through this excellent and comprehensive resource.
Fortunately, I experienced no negative side effects when working with Afzelia spp.
My Personal Experiences
Sadly I was only working with a pen blank sized piece of Afzelia spp., sold to me as a highly figured “Afzelia Lace” blank, but from what I was able to experience, I greatly enjoyed it.
The figure was immediately obvious even before I turned the blank. Fortunately, interlocked and twisted grain is not a major concern or issue when turning wood on a lathe so I experienced no difficulties whatsoever. The wood turned beautifully with new carbide cutters. Because the wood was of a decent hardness it cut cleanly and required little sanding effort, and what was required was easily accomplished.
By using a cyanoacrylate finish I avoided any difficulties associated with a water based finish product and the high gloss finish was excellent and durable for a writing instrument.
I believe I have a few more pieces of highly figured Afzelia spp. in stock in my shop stores and I look forward to using them over the coming years. If you can locate a supply at a price that you find reasonable then I would highly recommend experimenting with Afzelia spp. yourself.
As always, I wish all my readers a great experience in whatever their wood working interests happen to be and to those who like working with lathes especially, do a good turn today!