Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. 28th October 2010, 09:39 PM #1
    Knockawaddra
    Knockawaddra is offline New Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Ireland
    Posts
    1

    Default Help! Homemade Railway Sleeper Table + Creosote Question

    Hello, first post here!

    I have made a railway sleeper table in the past but the sleeper I used was untreated (no creosote) hard wood (not entirely sure what type of wood it was) and following planing, sanding and oiling with danish oil all was good.

    However, I have another hard oak wood sleeper which has been treated with creosote at some time in the past that I would like to use to make a table. I have started to plane it but would like to know before going through all the work if after planing, sanding and oiling the wood will the smell of creosote from the wood be 'locked in' by the oil or will the smell always be there?

    Cheers
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. 28th October 2010 09:39 PM # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. 29th October 2010, 10:53 AM #2
    orraloon's Avatar
    orraloon
    orraloon is offline almost a woodworker
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    blue mountains
    Posts
    4,890

    Default

    Hi and welcome to the site.
    I can only speak for myself but if it is soaked in creo then I would not have it indoors. I dont think you can ever get rid of the smell and the stuff is not good for you either. I would keep that wood for outside projects.
    Regards
    John
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. 29th October 2010, 11:08 AM #3
    BobL
    BobL is online now .
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,793

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by orraloon View Post
    . . . . I would keep that wood for outside projects.
    I'd be careful about cutting it for any project. Power tools will heat the wood and vaporize the creosote so unless you have adequate skin/lung/eye protection you could be affected. Some people are more sensitive than others and it's best not to even find out that you are one of the sensitive ones.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 29th October 2010, 06:10 PM #4
    GaRTDesign
    GaRTDesign is offline Artisans of Creation
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Brisbane QLD
    Age
    49
    Posts
    10

    Default

    My advise is don't use any timber treated with creosote inside or outside as it is a carcinogen and isn't good for any for of furniture.

    GaRTDesign

    By the way - WELCOME!
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. 2nd November 2010, 05:51 PM #5
    GraemeCook's Avatar
    GraemeCook
    GraemeCook is offline GOLD MEMBER
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Hobart
    Posts
    5,129

    Default

    Good Morning Knockawaddra

    Welcome to the Forum.

    I fully endorse the above comments on the safety aspects re creosote - it is nasty stuff.

    However it is unlikely to have penetrated more than 2-3mm into the timber, so if you take that much off all sides and, say, 10mm off each end then it should be fine. However, if there are any knot holes or cracks in the timber then the creosote will have penetrated there and you will be stuck with the aroma for ever and a day.

    Cheers

    Graeme
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  7. 3rd November 2010, 08:32 PM #6
    artme
    artme is offline Skwair2rownd
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Dundowran Beach
    Age
    76
    Posts
    19,922

    Thumbs down

    It will probably make a fine fence post.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Similar Threads

  1. Railway sleeper coffee table
    By Risky Goat in forum FURNITURE, JOINERY, CABINETMAKING - formerly BIG STUFF
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 29th July 2010, 05:00 PM
  2. Recycled Railway Sleeper
    By wayneo75 in forum WOODWORK PICS
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 8th January 2008, 10:02 AM
  3. Help to ID old Railway sleeper timber
    By Aussiephil in forum TIMBER
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 31st August 2006, 09:25 AM
  4. Homemade table saw
    By SWR in forum HOMEMADE TOOLS AND JIGS ETC.
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 17th August 2004, 09:59 PM
  5. Railway Sleeper Pic
    By smidsy in forum WOODWORK PICS
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 26th July 2004, 07:33 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Forum Rules