I obtained a treasure today...now, what to do with it?

[miamw]

Today, I found a local (can't believe it) exotic woods distributor and WHOOPEEEEE! I got some exotic woods all for under $50. But, I have no idea what type of project each one would be good for. Here goes:

1/4" Bloodwood
1/4" Padauk
1/4" and 3/8" Mahogony
1/4" Purple Heart
1/4" Hard Maple
3/8" Bubinga

Most of them are between 5" and 7" wide by about 2'. Not the biggest widths, but it's ok for now. They know I'll be back so they'll be prepared next time.

On top of that, I went somewhere else and found sheets of 1/4" oak and 1/4" birch. I know what to do with them, but the other stuff? Well, maybe you all can help me. All of them are just so beautiful, I'll be scared to start cutting when I do.

Oh, that reminds me, along with what the woods are good for, what blade do I use? The guy I bought these from said they were all very hard. He was so cool. He gave me the bubinga and also the 3/8" mahogany for nothing. They even asked me if I could come dumpster diving! I did get other scraps out of the dumpster but have no idea what they are. They're kinda reddish in color and look a little like the padauk, but I don't know. The scraps are between 1" and 1 1/2" thick. I have an assortment of FD blades from #1-9.

Any suggestions on the thin stuff would be great. Thanks!

[Marsha]

My only suggestion is, put them all neatly in a box, wrap them tightly in shipping tape and check you PM's my address is attached.
LOL, sounds like a great score to me, I'm sure you'll find some great projects to use all that fine wood on.
Marsha

[unixpro]

These could be just about anything you wanted. Shelving, small clocks, silhouettes, etc. I've used almost all the woods you've listed up there and agree that all are pretty hard, except the Mahogany. I've found that to be very easy to cut. Bubinga is one of my all-time favorite woods. It finishes beautifully, with rich, interesting grain patterns.

As far as the blades go, I'd not go higher then an FD-SR 5. Even a 3 might do the job.

Do be aware that Purple Heart burns very easily.

[Gill]

They'd make wonderful layered ornaments.

Gill

[NC Scroller]

I think you are ok with the woods listed but just be careful with those exotic woods. Some can be toxic. If you Google there are several web sites that list the potential effects of some woods. Here is one of them. Best rule of thumb is to always use some sort of quality mask especially when sanding.

http://www.mimf.com/archives/toxic.htm

[miamw]

Ok, now that I finally found a fun and rewarding hobby, I'm scared out of my mind! That site was a little incomplete, so I found http://www.gvwg.ca/docs/Articles/WoodToxicity.htm which also says that oak is a carcinogen and birch is a sensitizer!

Are any of us safe from anything? No, but no matter what we do or where we go, we always need to take some type of precaution. When I started this hobby a few weeks ago, I have read again and again to wear a dust mask and to work in a well ventilated area. Most of us will probably not follow known safety precautions, but that's on us.

So, since no wood dust is really "safe" to be exposed to, I'll be as careful as I can, but it won't stop me. But, really, thanks for the good scare, I needed that like a hole in the head.

Now, back to my original question....What type of projects can I use the woods for and what blades should I use, not knowing the hardness of each of the woods?

[CanadianScroller]

Even water can be toxic if you get too much
Just be sure to start with good work practices, minimize the dust, wear protective equipment and have fun.

Oh by the way this statement is a "Do as I say" not a "Do as I do"
I find the toxic properties of materials just doesnt seem to affect me, althiu by bwbea.... Good morning

[workin for wood]

They are pretty thin...how about making dovetail boxes or an apothicary cabintet?

[miamw]

Even water can be toxic if you get too much

Definitely! This is kinda off topic, but... Last week, on my local news channel, they had a story about a woman who participated in a water drinking contest. She died within an hour or so after drinking 2 gallons of water. Duh, they even warned the contestants about potential dangers, now her children don't have a mother.

[lucky788scroller]

1/4th inch thickness is perfect for a lot of things.You could do ornaments, plaques,or even some nice fretwork clocks. Your possibilities are endless!! As for blades, I would go with like mentioned, nothing over a #5 . Also, try stackcutting two layers at once, you will have better luck controlling the cut. Most of them are hard hardwoods, but at the thicknesses us scrollers use, typically that isnt a problem. I'd much rather cut harder woods than softer woods myself. Dale

[bearfretworks]

My suggestion is simple - START CUTTING!!!!!

Sounds like a nice variety of exotics. Pick a fretwork pattern you think will look good and go for it. That bloodwood will be "fun"!