Non Toxic woods to carve

[håndverker]

Hi all,

I have some lovely straight branches from a Buddleia from my garden. Anyone have any advice, or used it before. Is it toxic? I know that yew and laburnum are not safe.
Any advice on woods not to work with would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

[Clifford_Parker]

I don't know about Buddleja (butterfly bush) wood but Yew is used for turning bowls as well as for making bows and furniture so I do not know why you would say it is "not safe"?

[Eddy-Smiles]

Common sense dictates here! Almost all woods have some toxic properties and not everyone is affected in the same way or at all for that matter. Some woods can be carved safely but the minute you make them friable and start breathing the dust you could be asking for trouble. That's what got the asbestos industry in trouble. In solid form it's relatively safe. It's when it's in powder form that it's so deadly.

The bottom line is that you just need to take precautions as dictated for the specific wood product that you are using....

TOXIC WOODS CHART

Toxic Woods List

http://rivervalleywoodcarvers.org/WOOD_TOXICITY.pdf

http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts1...y/woodchrt.txt

[Joggernot]

Thank you Eddy! I was going to ask a similar question about black walnut and this answers the question. I've saved the .pdf file for future reference.

Joggernot

[håndverker]

Thanks for the advice. Please forgive me as I am a neophyte and obviously had duff information about yew. I have assessed the risks and take precautions such as wearing a respiratory mask for sanding wood.

I think I will learn so much about woodcarving on this site!

My grandfather gave me a small set of cheap chisels and they lay dormant for many a year, until I returned from a visit to Norway. It is a wonderful, rewarding and relaxing hobby. Better than watching uk television!

Regards to all.