Wood Health Hazards
These articles include those which describe potential health hazards associated with working with specific types of wood often used to make turned wood pens. Typically these hazards are limited in nature to potential skin irritation resulting from contact with the dust or shavings, although in some exceptional cases, sensitive persons have had respiratory difficulties when exposed to wood dust from certain species.
While I have written about Olive extensively before, this post provides an updated discussion of my personal experiences with the wood as well as information specific to disambiguation between …
As woodworkers, we don't always know with certainty what wood we are working with and that can come about for many different reasons. Commonly confused is Verawood with …
Quina is a uniquely fragrant and darkly beautiful wood from Latin America that has excellent turning characteristics and a high oil content for luster and shine. It is …
While the jury is out about the exact scientific specifics of what we call bocote, what isn't in doubt is that the wood is incredibly popular for turning projects, …
Black and White Ebony is a relatively rare wood used in the world of wood turning. It is very hard, very lustrous, and makes beautiful pieces provided sharp …
Cocobolo is a lovely dark and heavy wood from tropical central America that is highly prized for its rich coloration and figure. It also features a high oil …
These are essentially field notes from research and practical experience of turning projects employing Tambootied, a richly varigated and beautifully scented wood found in Southern Africa. Information about …