Any known woods to avoid?

[Ozartisan]

I have been asked to make some bottle stoppers where the wood is likely to come into contact with the contents (probably wine, drinks & who knows what)
Double barrell question for you wise forumites:
Are there any woods with a natural toxicity that I should avoid?
Any suggestions as to a finish? (Needs to be IN the timber rather than ON the timber)

Over to the brains trust!

[munruben]

I don't know that I would advise the use of Camphor Laurel. Read this article but having said that, I have seen many chopping boards made from it.

[wheelinround]

Adam here is U-beauts great list of woods and stuff Woodies stuff

[Mr Brush]

"black cherry - wheezing, giddiness"

That explains a lot . It wasn't the 'brown falling over water' after all.......

Thanks for posting - hadn't see that list before.

[rsser]

Yes, & a google on 'toxic woods' or 'wood toxicity' will return some sobering results

[Allen Neighbors]

Wood to avoid: OP's (other people's)
Cocobolo, walnut?, red oak (pores go right through, like straws)

[wheelinround]

Wood to avoid: OP's (other people's)
Cocobolo, walnut?, red oak (pores go right through, like straws)

Not true I'll take anything Pat's got and he does likewise

[Ozartisan]

Thanks guys.
Have already looked at Badwoods page - great info but seems to relate to effects of dust rather than any toxic nature of the wood itself.
For finishing - thought perhaps Organoil danish - then wait for the citrus aroma to dissipate... or perhaps just good ole UBeaut traditional wax?

[rsser]

wld recommend ubeaut Hard Shellac.

Dilute with meths at around 1:4 for first coat or two, then 1:1

[mick61]

G`day I would use any close grained non over smelly wood finish with Beeswax.
Only my opinion.
Mick

[rsser]

what does ethyl alcohol dissolve is the q'tn

[RETIRED]

Your kidneys?

[RedShirtGuy]

Avoid Tiger Woods...unless you don't mind sharing

[jimbur]

Adam here is U-beauts great list of woods and stuff Woodies stuff

So the use of teak could be a whole load of b#lls

[Scribbly Gum]

I'd like to single out Mackay Cedar for special mention.
Known by lots of names it is kindly referred to as sneeze wood.
It is quite nasty and inflames the airway causing racking coughs and intense irritation to the throat and chest.
It also causes skin irritation and rashes as well as being carcinogenic.
It is such a pity because it is such a lovely looking timber with beautiful creamy contrasting sapwood.
There is some discussion on the forum here:
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f67/mackay-cedar-54918/
Regards
SG