Wood Suitable for Salad Bowls

[StevoWoodi]

I have been turning quite a few bowls, most rough turned as all the wood I have is fresh, but any that I have taken through to the finishing stage I have not been able to resist the shiny finish, either with turning wax or EEE and Shellawax.

While I was at the Sydney Wood Show a couple of weeks ago I bought some Food Safe oil with a view to making some salad bowls. When I started to think about my plans in a bit more detail I realised that I should probably make sure that I did not choose a wood that was going to make someone ill.

I have camphor laurel, liquidamber, blue gum, brush box and also some lovely silky oak but I have read that it is a known irritant so had best keep that for my shiny finish.

Are any of the above suitable or should I be on the lookout for a particular timber?

Thanks,

Steve

[pommyphil]

I've made a few from Liquid amber and no one has died yet :cool:

Phil

[Rod Gilbert]

I am unsure about the rest but don't use the camphor for food containers.
Regards Rod.

[RETIRED]

I would think that most Australian timbers are food safe.

People eat the contents of the bowl, not the bowl.:wink:

[Mulgabill]

I am unsure about the rest but don't use the camphor for food containers.
Regards Rod.

I tend to agree with on this, however I would like to see some real evidence for Rod's statement. This has been covered before on this Forum, but I think unsatisfactorily answered.
I am not disputing what Rod has said is incorrect, but there is evidence from Dr Google that depending on their vested interest in the topic there are for and against the argument of toxicity of Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora).
Sure large doses of Camphor is harmful, no disputing, but the levels contained in Camphor Laurel products surely would be minimal. Added to the fact that Camphor has antibacterial properties.

I will watch this thread with interest.

[Drillit]

I am not aware of our woods being toxic when used as bowls in which food is served.
However, I would suggest that you do not use EEE or Shellawax on bowls that will contain food, particualrly
bowls that may have vinegar, salad oils etc. as part of a salad. I have used food safe citrus/nut oil and paraffin regularly
on a variety of wood species without any problems. In the case of camphor, I certainly would not store
food, particularly if a sealed lid is used. I think the key is that such finishes are a protection of the timber and soak in well.
I have found that both food safe and paraffin do tend to darken the timber slightly, particuialrly the foodsafe product. I suppose
the obvious is if a person who had an allergy to nuts could be affected by using this product. I dont know but it begs the question.
I havent had a problem. Hope this helps, Drillit.

[mick59wests]

I thought EEE and Shellawax were non toxic and I have used them on a number of bowls which have had food in them. If this is not true, I hope I am only up for manslaughter :D:D.

Also, my understanding (from research and not just a crystal ball) is that oils (I am a Danish Oil user) are also safe as long as they are cured (up to a month from application).

For a salad bowl (as opposed to a cutting board.....) I would have thought there were not many woods that were unsafe if properly finished with one of the above.

Hopefully we will have some more opinions - maybe even some 'experts' !!!

cheers

Mick

[NeilS]

I am not disputing what Rod has said is incorrect, but there is evidence from Dr Google that depending on their vested interest in the topic there are for and against the argument of toxicity of Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora).
Sure large doses of Camphor is harmful, no disputing, but the levels contained in Camphor Laurel products surely would be minimal. Added to the fact that Camphor has antibacterial properties.



I can't add any evidence, but have some opinions about Cinnamomum camphora. I would prefer it as a chopping board to most other woods; its antibacterial properties are going to keep me healthier.

There is probably a higher risk to the maker than the user of food bowls made from it.

I make sure I don't breath too much of it when I'm turning it.

Allergic reactions are another matter. Eliminate all woods with the potential for an allergic reaction in some user, somewhere, and you will be turning from a very limited number of wood species.

[DaveTTC]

I agree with . Also I would think (I have no research to back this up) that once timber is sealed even if it had allergenic properties that this would be sealed in


I would think that most Australian timbers are food safe.

People eat the contents of the bowl, not the bowl.:wink:

- you aint seen my tolddlers lol