I'm wondering if there is any risk to using spalted maple for a peppermill? If so would sealing it with poly work?

                 Thanks, Urbano

I'm not a turner but you never know what you might run into with spalted maple. I love the look, BUT!

?? Risk from what ? Breaking while turning,contaminating the pepper, falling apart in use, I have not found spalted woods any different to work with and poly finish really brings out the grain figure. I am not a turner so can't annswer questions aboutt turning it.

Herb

 

5 minutes ago, Dadio said:

?? Risk from what ? Breaking while turning,contaminating the pepper, falling apart in use, I have not found spalted woods any different to work with and poly finish really brings out the grain figure. I am not a turner so can't annswer questions aboutt turning it.

Herb

 

ditto....

I've heard that spalting comes from a fungus in the wood, So I always wear a mask. With that concern I was wondering about the the health issues of using it as a peppermll? Giving it as a Christmas gift and would hate to make my friends sick!

That is a very valid concern and good of you to ask that question. If there was any doubt at all in your mind it might be well to consider an alternative wood. Save the spalted maple for non food projects,and find some figured grain pieces for the pepper mill.

Herb

Yeah, I reckon that would be the best bet. Dang, I went to split a log on the bandsaw and when I saw the salting I got excited, oh well, maybe I can make some pens or a vase.

Thanks for the replies

                                Urbano

4 minutes ago, oljpj said:

Yeah, I reckon that would be the best bet. Dang, I went to split a log on the bandsaw and when I saw the salting I got excited, oh well, maybe I can make some pens or a vase.

Thanks for the replies

                                Urbano

so build what you wish...

wash it down thoroughly/liberly w/ DNA to kill the fungus...

5 minutes ago, oljpj said:

Yeah, I reckon that would be the best bet. Dang, I went to split a log on the bandsaw and when I saw the salting I got excited, oh well, maybe I can make some pens or a vase.

Thanks for the replies

                                Urbano

I know what you mean Orbano, when I cut into a piece and see the grain, i get all excited and my mind starts working on what I can make out of that.

 

Herb

8 minutes ago, oljpj said:

Theres that double post again

 

Edited December 10, 20169 yr by Dadio

I just posted this video in the turning forum. The speaker is Dr. Sara Robinson also known as Dr Spalting and at 10 minutes in she explains there is no health hazard. However saying that I would not reccomend it for use with food products. Also remember that wood dust is the most dangerous part of all woodworking that we take for granted.

4 hours ago, Gerald said:

I just posted this video in the turning forum. The speaker is Dr. Sara Robinson also known as Dr Spalting and at 10 minutes in she explains there is no health hazard. However saying that I would not reccomend it for use with food products. Also remember that wood dust is the most dangerous part of all woodworking that we take for granted.

Thanks for posting that Gerald. It puts my mind quite a bit more at ease about using spalted wood. Common sense guidelines observed of course. Don't use spalted wood for a spoon that is going to be dipped in liquids that will be consumed etc.

Go ahead and use it. To add a layer of protection seal the inside of your mill with a couple of coats of sanding sealer or salad bowl finish.

Thanks for all the replies. Since it's a gift I don't want to take even the slightest risk   ( I might take a slight risk with my own health,lol)