Post #232077 by AlohaStation on Mon, May 15, 2006 1:18 PM

Pdrake - I hope the pencil fits your hand. And thanks for the wood.

SCTS - This was done on a lathe for shape and then a hook knife and Xacto. The Dremel actually chipped the wood as it was carving it. I have developed a techinque for carving small that has helped alot. I apply pressure to the wood and not the blade. All movement is with the wood not the blade. This way if I slip the damge is minimal.

JP - I'm not sure, probably a combination of both. I believe the rash comes because I over exposed myself. Meaning - when I work with exotic woods I tend to do many pieces at a time - to use up the wood. This time I did 3 pencils and the pen and holder. Perhaps the worst exposure comes when I sand the pieces. Everything is placed on the lathe and sanded using up to 600 grit (a very fine dust). I use a resperator and dust collector but you still get exposed. This condition is fairly common so just keep an eye on your elbow pitts and eye lids (both spots are very sensitive) - if they itch or develop a rash just stop using the wood and clean up your work area. It will clear up after a day or two. Some woods that I have found I can't work with - Paduak, Cocobolo, Ebony, and PH. Everybody is different.