Amboyna?? revisited.....with pics

[stevetitus26]

O.k. Here are some pics of the pipes I made out of amboyna....I will let you guys know how they smoke soon.

 

[unclearthur]

Beautiful wood! be sure to keep us updated.

 

[buck67]

Those are very nice pipes. I've never heard of that type of wood but it certainly looks nice made into a pipe. You really did a good job. :clap: :D

 

[bowhatchie]

Wow... they really turned out nice! Love that color!

 

[cwlinsj]

Hi everyone,
I just signed-up here because of this posting, I normally post on another pipe forum.
Amboynia is the burl form of Narra wood (Pterocarpus indicus) and it can have toxic affects to people depending on their sensitivities. This includes respiratory problems from inhaling sawdust and skin irritation from exposure (though rare). I learned this when working with Amboynia burl as a hobbyist.
Unless you are absolutely certain of your immunity, I would not recommend using amboynia/Narra woods as a pipe material. It can cause very bad reactions if introduced to your lungs.
Here's a couple links from woodworking forums about toxic woods:

http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

http://home.earthlink.net/~wooddude78/woodlib1_2.html#L

 

[collindow]

Well I guess it's a good thing you showed up, cw.

And it's too bad that amboyna is toxic...the stuff is beautiful.

 

[expatpipe]

Well that settles that cw :P I wont be smoking it, lol

 

[stevetitus26]

Well, I light of that information, I guess I'll just keep them as decorations. Back to briar everyone. thanks for all the complements and thanks for the enlightenment.

 

[unclearthur]

As a turner I have avoided exotics for the very reasons stated by cw . On the rare occasions I do use them it is with a good respirator . Thanks cw for the heads up. Welcome to the forum.

 

[bowhatchie]

Heck.. I would fire one up and smoke it till I had trouble breathing.... Might not bother you at all... if it does..retire it as a pretty show piece.