Unstabilized spalted woods

[KFU]

I was wondering if anyone has used unstabilized spalted woods before? I have a good amount of maple and black oak with great color and spalt but its not stabilized. The guy I bought it from has a vacuum thing and soaks them in mineral oil. Ive had them a good 6 months so they are dry and when sanded it doesnt have any mineral oil gum left. Obviously stabilization is probably out of the question but would finishing them in CA or something else make them handle worthy? I dont want to throw them out.

 

[Michael Rader]

Well, only one way to really know isn't there? Put one on a knife and use it for the next year. Maybe rub in a few coats of Pro Custom gunstock oil (from Brownell's.) Make it your everyday carry knife and even use it in the kitchen. Leave it outside in the rain. Leave it outside in the sun. Now, you will know for sure how it holds up.
-M

 

[Burl Source]

If the wood is hard enough that it doesn't dent with your thumbnail I would try what Rader said.
Sometimes spalted woods can still be hard. If the wood is soft I would not use it.

 

[KFU]

Mark, it does scratch when you run your fingernail down it hard. Ill probably try the CA finish and go from there

 

[PIndelicato]

I read a post on here once that indicated it could/would be dangerous to work with unstabilized spalted woods, I guess due to the fungus which causes the decay. It's probably worth having them stabilized for that reason alone.

 

[Michael Rader]

Interesting, Paul. Never thought of that. I get all mine stabilized. Mark, what about this fungus - dangerous?
-M

 

[PIndelicato]

Here is the post I was referring to...a respone to an old inquiry of mine regarding working unstabilized spalted woods: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...and-finishing-spalted-woods?highlight=spalted

Not sure how much risk there actually is, and how much stabilizing alleviates that risk, but it sure can't hurt.

 

[Mike Davis]

I was told that the fungus that causes spalting can actually grow in your lungs if you get enough in them. Just what i heard, but there seems to be a few random posts i read online that say the same thing.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Heat kills the fungus and it is the spurs that are harmfull.
I've heared of people microwaving spalted wood to kill the fungus (=micro organism)
A good resperator is always advisable

 

[Burl Source]

Interesting, Paul. Never thought of that. I get all mine stabilized. Mark, what about this fungus - dangerous?
-M

Working with spalted woods I don't wear a mask. The fungus hasn't bothered me none.
I'm just not to sure what is causing all the black lines in my skin?

Just teasing. Heat and lack of moisture will usually kill the fungus. It is good to be careful working with any woods.
Different people react differently when they inhale the dust.

 

[Larry D. Davis]

Spalting fungi merely go dormant when removed from it's proper growing conditions. Moderate heat nor lack of moisture will "kill" it. All that aside, our lungs are to wet to harbor and revive spalting fungi. This does not mean wood dust is safe with or without fungi. ALL wood dust has been classified as nasal carcinogenic and not heeding proper cautions is foolish.