Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Apr 21, 2008 10:07pm | #1

   Catalpa is very commonly used for making bowls and such, so either it's food-safe or a lot of people are in trouble. ;-)

   -Steve

    

2. 
   JsHerbel | Apr 22, 2008 09:09pm | #2

   All woods have some level of toxicity. A good rule of thumb is the less color it has, the less toxicity it has. Another rule of thumb is, the more rot resisitent a wood is, the more toxicity it has. Again, these are general rules of thumb. Catalpa, as you've seen from what you have, is in the middle of the road in color and has pretty good rot resistence.

   The USDA Forest Service has no info on its toxicity. They do mention that the wood is tasteless!

   All this being said, I'd probably put the spoon in my mouth. I might not chew on it though.

    

   http://www.ithacawoodworker.com

1. 
   Zabo2 | Apr 24, 2008 11:47pm | #3

   Don't plan to chew on it, just stir in the pot.

   Thanks, ZABO