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 Oregon Myrtle.
My Personal Experiences:
This is my first time turning Oregon Myrtle and thus far I am quite pleased. After working with soft woods that don’t cut cleanly it is so nice to work with a wood hard enough to cut super clean and that requires, therefore, little sanding. The olive green coloring with darker stripes is appealing. And Oregon Myrtle has been a dream to finish, easily taking an EVEN and high shine with little effort. I will be happy to work with Oregon Myrtle again in the future and I believe that I have at least one more piece in my ample wood stocks.
Oregon Myrtle Bowl
All cuts were made using the Easy Wood Tool system on my Robust American Beauty lathe. Forward chucking was in a Nova Chuck, while reverse chucking was done using a Nova Chuck with Cole Jaws. Sanding was with Gold and Green Wave sanding discs from Packard Woodworks. Final finish is Shellawax.
As always, I wish all my readers a great experience in whatever your wood working interests happen to be and to those who like working with lathes especially, do a good turn today!
