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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Grout float

The red foam on these grout floats grip well to wood, and the large handle keeps your hands safely away from bits and blades.

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Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM

While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.

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