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Larry Matchett

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Be One with your Tool!

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Gulf Coast, Mississippi
Mississippi
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Lungs
Aug 1^st, 2015 at 7:16pm

First of all I use a Trend Power shield when turning and sanding. I don't use it when using the chain saw and sometimes when sweeping the shop.
Two weeks ago I chained saw some spalted magnolia to make hollow forms. I have been spalting it for about six months. Timing is critical to get the most spalting with minimal punking. I cut the ends off and then turned two hollow forms. When I was sawing the dust made me cough, first clue. Over the next week or so the cough got worse and worse until I had trouble breathing. Second clue. Went to the Dr. and the diagnosis was black mold repertory infection. Jury is still out on whether there is any permanent damage. Just a warning to be extra cautious when working with spalted wood. This is the first time I have ever had a problem, been turning for 57 years. Hard to clean a 900 square foot shop with ammonia, which is what I am having to do. Nice looking hollow forms by the way. Cry

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Glenn Roberts Senior Member Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 413 Walworth, NY New York USA Gender:	Re: Lungs Reply #1 - Aug 1^st, 2015 at 7:46pm Borax may be a better choice - less odor
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robo_hippy

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Eugene, OR
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Re: Lungs
Reply #2 - Aug 2^nd, 2015 at 12:35am

If the spalted wood has mold on it, then the mold is the problem, not the fungi associated with spalting. It might be difficult to tell the difference. Spaulting takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on moisture levels. So, maybe if it has been sitting too long, make sure to have the extra protection...

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« Last Edit: Aug 2^nd, 2015 at 12:38am by robo_hippy »

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John Grace WR Addict Offline Everyone needs a good wingman... Posts: 1,278 Bel Air Maryland USA	Re: Lungs Reply #3 - Aug 2^nd, 2015 at 7:31am Fast recovery with hopefully no lingering issues.
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Dwight Rutherford Senior Member Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 468 Roseville California USA Gender: Jet 1642 Rose Engine	Re: Lungs Reply #4 - Aug 2^nd, 2015 at 10:48am I looked up wood toxicity for magnolia. Said can have asthma reaction. May have been the wood.
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JimQuarles WR Addict WR Patron Offline WR Rocks, BIG Time! Posts: 13,194 Glendale, AZ Arizona USA Gender:	Re: Lungs Reply #5 - Aug 2^nd, 2015 at 12:00pm Not when the diagnosis is Black Mold respiratory infection. This is also very common in houses that have had water problems. Asthma reaction is a quick short term problem. I get it all the time with almost any dust.
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Dwight Rutherford Senior Member Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 468 Roseville California USA Gender: Jet 1642 Rose Engine	Re: Lungs Reply #6 - Aug 2^nd, 2015 at 12:34pm I should have paid closer attention to the original post and the doctors diagnosis. Black mold it is.
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robo_hippy WR Addict Offline Posts: 3,638 Eugene, OR USA	Re: Lungs Reply #7 - Aug 2^nd, 2015 at 6:57pm Since I have hay fever, and we are the grass seed growing capitol of the US (well, maybe not any more since they outlawed field burning) I suspect pollen allergies any time I react. However, I don't turn mimosa/silk tree any more, and do as little walnut as possible. robo hippy
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David Hill Senior Member Offline Using all Texas woods but prefer Mesquite Posts: 492 Cuero Texas USA Gender: Nova 1624 Laguna 18/47 Robust American Beauty	Re: Lungs Reply #8 - Aug 2^nd, 2015 at 7:15pm Man! Sorry to hear about your infection. If they're treating with meds for fungus, hope you tolerate that ok. I haven't looked to see what's being used currently. For me, I try to not use any blanks with any black mold-- yes, I really do consider that, and I too use a Trend when turning, and always a filter whenever sanding anything.
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Kathy Jekel

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Chandler
Oklahoma
USA
Gender: female

Re: Lungs
Reply #9 - Aug 3^rd, 2015 at 7:53am

So sorry to hear your news. I hope you recover soon.

I have found there are several woods that I must wear protection when turning, Magnolia and Mimosa are two that cause breathing problems for me. Bloodwood I must cover all skin areas or I break out in a very red rash that last for about a week and itches like crazy.

I spalt wood a lot and don't seem to be bothered by turning it.

I do think it is important to share information such as yours and how it is being treated so that new turners are made aware of potential problems.

Thanks for sharing.

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Kathy Jekel

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Len Layman WR Addict Offline What have I got into?? Posts: 3,118 Grand Cayman Cayman Islands Gender: PM 3520b Jet 1220	Re: Lungs Reply #10 - Aug 3^rd, 2015 at 10:21am Larry, I am sorry to hear that. Does not sound like fun at all. Keep us updated on how your doing.
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Ralph Fahringer

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Ellsworth
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Re: Lungs
Reply #11 - Aug 3^rd, 2015 at 10:30am

Sorry to hear about this. Hope you get it cleared up so you can go back to making piles of shavings again! Thumbs Up

On another side note... Robo, what is the problem with walnut? I love the smell and whenever I get some in, I always put it up to my nose and give a good inhale and it smells SOOOO good!!!

I had a bunch Ironwood from outside Tuscon and worked with it but another woodworker refused to go any near it. Problem with that as well?

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JimQuarles WR Addict WR Patron Offline WR Rocks, BIG Time! Posts: 13,194 Glendale, AZ Arizona USA Gender:	Re: Lungs Reply #12 - Aug 3^rd, 2015 at 11:52am According to the wood toxicity chart: Walnut is considered a sensitizer, meaning that it may have a cumulative effect. Hazards include: Nasal Cancer, Irritation to nose, eyes & throat, Dermatitis. Some people have a sensitivity to the juglone compounds in Walnut.
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Ralph Fahringer WR Addict Offline I'm the "Burly" Man!! Posts: 1,629 Ellsworth Maine USA Gender: PM3520b	Re: Lungs Reply #13 - Aug 3^rd, 2015 at 12:48pm Oh, thanks. If anyone has any walnut they are allergic to, I'll give you my address.
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JimQuarles WR Addict WR Patron Offline WR Rocks, BIG Time! Posts: 13,194 Glendale, AZ Arizona USA Gender:	Re: Lungs Reply #14 - Aug 3^rd, 2015 at 3:03pm While on the subject, I notice that Craft Supply has a limited number of Trend AirShield Pros at about $70 off.
Back to top	Mentor Basics, Pens, small stuff, Acrylics, EasyRougher. Just Turnin' Around! Glendale, AZ "Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." - Steven Wright IP Logged