Comments on: Padauk http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/padauk/ By Woodworkers, For Woodworkers. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:46:00 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Eric http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/padauk/comment-page-1/#comment-26 Eric Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:20:42 +0000 http://www.wood-database.com/?p=454#comment-26 I think it would be fine to use Padauk for a pepper mill. One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of woods cause allergic reactions, but that's mainly from inhaling the wood dust itself. Very few woods are in and of themselves poisonous or toxic. (Yew and Sassafras come to mind in this category.) Also, I would stay away from spalted woods, which may have fungus or mold still present. I understand the concern to finish the inside, but I think it may be overkill. The finish itself, being closed off in a small sealed container, may have more spoiling effects than the wood itself---especially if a slow-drying oil-based finish is used. If anything, I'd maybe use a thin sealer coat of shellac, which is supposed to be food safe (it's used for coatings of pills, etc.) and since its alcohol-based, it will dry very quickly and not "stink up" anything inside the mill. I think it would be fine to use Padauk for a pepper mill. One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of woods cause allergic reactions, but that’s mainly from inhaling the wood dust itself. Very few woods are in and of themselves poisonous or toxic. (Yew and Sassafras come to mind in this category.) Also, I would stay away from spalted woods, which may have fungus or mold still present.

I understand the concern to finish the inside, but I think it may be overkill. The finish itself, being closed off in a small sealed container, may have more spoiling effects than the wood itself—especially if a slow-drying oil-based finish is used. If anything, I’d maybe use a thin sealer coat of shellac, which is supposed to be food safe (it’s used for coatings of pills, etc.) and since its alcohol-based, it will dry very quickly and not “stink up” anything inside the mill.

]]> By: John Erwin http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/padauk/comment-page-1/#comment-25 John Erwin Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:28:57 +0000 http://www.wood-database.com/?p=454#comment-25 I am contemplating turning a pepper mill from Padauk. Is that wood safe to use here? If so, should I finish the inside and with what? I am contemplating turning a pepper mill from Padauk. Is that wood safe to use here? If so, should I finish the inside and with what?

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