One of the worst hidden dangers in woodworking comes from the key material all woodworkers use in their craft: the wood. A number of species from around the world are known to cause allergic, toxic, infectious, or respiratory reactions.

This list of woods compiled by Fine Woodworking author Stanley Wellborn for an article in Fine Woodworking issue #9 includes most of the species that are known to cause a reaction of some type. Although researchers point out that not everyone is sensitive to these woods, they warn that woodworkers should be particularly cautious when sanding or milling these woods. For more information on health hazards in the shop, read Wellborn’s companion articles by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Ridgid R4331 Planer

Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.

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Shop Fox W1826

The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.

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Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM

You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.

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