Post #107907 by Artiki on Thu, Aug 12, 2004 4:34 AM

I've been snooping around a little bit, trying to find some information on what poles are good to carve into and what are not so good.
Here in the UK, trying to find decent wood is difficult. Telegraph poles are fairly easy to come across but are nasty and toxic. Pressure-treated poles have been around for a while and seemed to be a good alternative until someone pointed out that they are treated with arsenic and that they can leach. Not good, once again.
Continuing the search, I found a company here in the UK that reclaims telegraph poles and railway sleepers for construction use, and they are selling NEW poles that are 'ACQ' treated. This was a new phrase on me, so I did some more snooping around and found some very encouraging information.
I'll include some links at the end of this post but basically 'ACQ' is a modern safer version of the old pressure treated wood treatments. It is safe to be handled and is even recommended for children's play areas. I found one quote that said it is safe for food preparation areas.
It doesn't contain arsenic or chromium and is easily painted or stained. Left out in the elements, it will weather and colour as normal wood. It has even won some Green Chemistry awards.
Have a look at these links.
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/lumber.html

http://www.powernail.com/acq-treated-lumber.htm

http://www.treatedwood.com/products/preserve/

http://www.kilgraney.com/KFtelegraphpoles.htm#newtelegraph

I haven't bought any of this wood yet, but when I do I'll post back and let you know.

[ Edited by: Artiki on 2004-08-12 05:52 ]