Cocobolo can cause respiratory and/or dermatological sensitization in certain people. A guy who was building a guitar for my brother had a near death experience when he found out he was allergic to it by breathing in some of the dust. It's only "dangerous" for the one working with the wood. Even though merchants had traded cocobolo for more than 100 years, it was decades before botanists agreed on its name. Most people actually become allergic to woods if the use them a lot. Colour varies from yellow/orange to red/purple. Some people have allergies to it. Dense, takes a great finish. Buy Exotic Wood, Birdseye Maple and Curly Maple (Tiger Maple) direct from Bell Forest Products. Other finishes provide only mediocre results. I find cocobola dust somewhat irritating to the ol repiratory system, but what really bugs me is the smell. Cocobolo isn't a rare wood. Not surprisingly, it's too dense to float. C $53.84. Was: Previous … It is one of the more expensive veneers. Dense and hard, cocobolo requires power tools or razor-sharp hand tools. Breathing in any wood dust isn't good for you. Also, be sure to vacuum up the dust and blow off your clothing before leaving the shop. In the days when merchant ships battled the ravages of South America's treacherous Cape Horn, heavy cocobolo commanded precious little cargo space. ft. The wood is very durable and strong, with a fine texture. Cocobolo heartwood often carries a sunrise of hues—red, yellow, pink, and black, occasionally streaked with green, purple, and blue. Rosewood, however, likes South America's rain forests. Freshly sawn Cocobolo slabs. Im not sure its toxic to people in general, but Id avoid it unless I knew whether I was allergic to it or not. And, we give slow-set epoxy the nod over other adhesives. Proper facial dust protection, and skin protection, should be utilized when turning cocobolo. Its reddish-brown, scaly trunk measures about 3' in diameter. For more related content, subscribe to our newsletter! I had a guitar for a few months w/an untreated coco neck, didn't notice any problems. It's technically a sensitizer, not a toxin. There is about a 2-5% incidence of true allergic (anaphylactic) response to cocobolo, as well as the others in the genus. Cocobolo wood is relatively difficult to find, because it is presently in danger of extinction. From United States. Cocobolo is a fine-textured, straight-grained wood with occasional interlocked grain. God Bless Mike Ponce from Suhr Guitars for hand sanding this Coco neck for me. It really is a thing of beauty and sounds even better than it looks. This guy was knocked out of business for like 6 months while he recovered. Cocobolo Wood Veneer is dark red, rose or yellowish brown, with irregular purple or black markings. Cocobolo is the wood of passion. Don’t take this wood lightly. People have been smoking weed and tobacco etc. Free returns. No dust is good for you. Yes, some people are more sensitized to Cocobolo than others...both from the dust and the wood itself. Cocobolo is a very beautiful, rich wood with many colors in its heartwood. With either, however, edges dull quickly. Cocobolo became common deck cargo, and tons poured into New England ports, where manufacturers turned it into handles on the finest cutlery. Its pattern is a straight to interwoven grain. It can act as an irritant and sensitize over time. Brand New. If I were to remove enough wood from the butt of a cocobolo cue to cut a groove to install a stack leather wrap, would that dust be problematic? Facebook 0 Twitter Pinterest 0. G S p o 4 E 4 2 O 0 F n 4 s L C o r e d. FIGURED COCOBOLO TURNING BLANK GUN PISTOL GRIP WOOD, BOOK MATCHED 1 X 3 X 6" Brand New . They knew that the wood was heavy, yet machined easily, could take abuse, and its oil protected it from dunkings in dishwater. A purely masculine energy radiates from the wood. This wood's energy would be a good tool for goaloriented people. At 65 pounds per cubic foot air dry, cocobolo weighs twice as much as cherry. If this was a real issue “weed” know about it. - 08-03-2007, 05:33 PM Specifically, I've heard cocobolo sawdust can be a severe skin irritant, like poison ivy. Within it courses the energy of the flame, burning hot with desire, sexuality, ambition, adventure, even rage. out of wooden pipes for thousands of years. Size: 1" 2" Quantity: Add To Cart. Origin: C. America. But, the opening of the Panama Canal in 1912 changed all that. All Rights Reserved. Handle with care Everyone who handles, cuts, sands and assembles wood should be aware that they could have a minor or major reaction to different species. Cocobolo can be found on the West Coast of Central America. Thanks again for your suggestions! Because of oils and silica in the wood, you should wipe all joining surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone, and then glue immediately. Cocobolo’s distinctive characteristic is its production of natural oils, which provides the wood with a natural waterproof polish. If you have an allergy history, work cocobolo with full protection: gloves, long sleeves, a dust mask, and a protective skin cream. This beautiful red, orange & black Cocobolo is genuine Dalbergia retusa (same scientific name as Mexican Cocobolo) that was actually grown in Costa Rican. It is also known as Granadillo. The finish may skin over but will remain soft near the wood. Cocobolo prefers the drier, upland savanna country of Central America's Pacific Coast. You'll find exceptional quality and color in this batch of wood. A medium-sized—and quite often poorly formed—cocobolo tree reaches a height of only 75'-80'. I dont think its toxic, but it is definately the most irritating wood I have worked with. Spanish cedar has the same problem btw. Cocobolo Wood is probably best known exotic wood for decorative elements like pepper mills, cocobolo jewlery boxes, knife handles, police nightsticks, and even beads, canes, gun grips, guitars and bowling balls. Cocobolo: Another interesting exotic wood, cocobolo is a poisonous tree. Furniture and case goods require a penetrating oil with a wax topcoat. For this reason, it has also been called rainbow wood. What is your suggestion? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. JavaScript is disabled. They cost about $2-4 at Walgreen's. contains a resin in the heartwood that inhibits the curing of reactive finishes (like oil varnish). I worry about that the health will be harmed after years of playing Cocobola fretboard. Cocobolo quantity. As cocobolo is from a poisonous tree, it is not recommended for any project where it will be in contact with food. The colors range from any combination of orange, red, yellow, & black to violet. The dust from machining and sanding the stuff is toxic. Wear a respirator, long sleeves, and perhaps a skin protectant such as North’s #222 Barrier Cream. You find it in grips, on high dollar pool cues, fancy salad bowls, and any place a nice figure is appreciated. Cocobolo and other wood DUST can be toxic if inhaled or if you have an allergy. Some people won't be affected by it right away, but the more they work with it, the more it affects them. Thanks for pointing out the danger of turning and sanding wood. Which wouldn't have a finish applied, right? However, it is highly allergenic. C $46.01. Cocobolo slabs. Turners often apply only a cabinetmaker's wax to cocobolo. All of the information I have found about it's toxicity are related to the wood dust being an allergen, when carving this pipe (plenty of dust) I have no reactions. Tradition typecasts cocobolo as handle stock, but it excels in other starring roles as well. … Cocobolo dust is a strong sensitizer that can cause severe allergic reactions, so protect your lungs and skin from exposure. Scientific name: Dalbergia retusa. ft. Although cocobolo grips screws well, gluing poses a problem. Because of oils and silica in the wood, you should wipe all joining surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone, and then glue immediately. Back Finishing Wood Care Adhesives and Fillers Abrasives and Accessories Legs, Bases & Brackets Back Flooring ... Cocobolo. Also, the wood’s color can bleed into surrounding wood when applying a finish, so care must be taken on the initial seal coats not to smear the wood’s color/oils into surrounding areas. Next Artinger I might was thinking coco neck.... not to mention the high-oil content of cocobolo can gum up fret saw teeth in one pass. Thanks very much for all your informative comments. It is a great alternative to Mahogany. CHECKOUT $ 0.00 "I'm always a little nervous when ordering lumber without seeing it, especially in a … Top Rated Seller Top Rated Seller. How can I keep my router bushing assembly in place? The Gear Page is the leading online community and marketplace for guitars, amps, pedals, effects and associated gear. Comments: Cocobolo Rosewood is a wood that many guitar luthiers continue to turn to, as the remaining remnants of Brazilian Rosewood in the US disappear. Cocobolo is a tropical hardwood of Central American trees belonging to the genus Dalbergia.Only the heartwood of cocobolo is used; it is usually orange or reddish-brown, often with darker irregular traces weaving through the wood. One of the most common of the Rosewoods. But, you can almost effortlessly bring the wood to a beautiful luster by sanding and polishing. Milling Cocobolo in our lumber mill. Cocobolo is a beautiful wood. Give it routine maintenance like the tip below... read more, The Central American wood that stands up to a dunking. Prices per bd. The oil in the wood can cause allergic reactions if you inhale it or if it lands on your skin or eyes. You can buy it (at press time) for about $11 per board foot. Ethics of selling guitars with Floyd Rose. Don't know if they are true or not, but its definately worth taking precautions though. I decide BRW or Snakewood would be the way to go. - Custom Orders Welcome: (877) 770-9663. Such scientific disagreement meant little to manufacturers and craftsmen, however. This is a beautiful exotic from Central America and is considered an excellent substitute for rosewood. Coronavirus Update (7/22/2020) → OVER 100 SPECIES OF EXOTIC WOOD! Examples from the western mountains of Costa Rica and, particularly, Nicaragua can boast some incredible colors — covering the entire spectrum. Workability: Due to the high oil content found in this wood, it can occasionally cause problems with gluing. 60.00. Description ; Additional information ; Reviews (0) Description. Cocobolo is very beautiful tonewood for neck or fretboard. The heat would destroy any biologic allergens. Your benchtop planer takes a beating in normal use. Cocobolo (Dahlbergia retusa) belongs to the same genus as Brazilian rosewood, and in fact, has similar properties. 26 watchers. One caution, should you decide to make your own. The reason it is so rot-resistant is a natural silica that is produced within the tree. The wood … Amid the tree's large, leathery leaves, tiny yellow blooms flower, and then later turn to long, flat seedpods. This bowl was glued up from segmented strips. Mirrors, musical instruments (except those that touch the lips), jewelry boxes, clock cases, furniture, bowls, and other turnery all suit it. I have heard stories of some builders having such violent reactions that there tongue and throat started to swell shut and they had to be rushed to the hospital. front view Above: A Lizard Carved from a solid block of Cocobolo wood. I had no idea it was toxic. I want to alert you to the possibility of suffering a reaction to toxins and irritants whenever you are working with wood. Is working with cocobolo dangerous? But I heard that Cocobolo is toxic that may cause skin irritation and the Cocobolo dust can harm the lung. Cocobolo's beauty meant it was almost destined … Rough cocobolo lumber 4/4. Cocobolo is an exotic wood native to Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, and is favored for custom pool cues, fine furniture and cabinetry, inlays, and musical instruments. Retailers of exotic wood and mail-order firms usually sell turning squares and blanks, as well as boards and veneer. Add to cart. I suppose I would adviod the Cocobola fretboard option for custom built guitar although she is very beautiful. Later, botanists found other specimens in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, and classified each as a different species! It is very durable and it's resistance to staining and its general stability make it an interesting decorative choice. It has CITES and Lacey Act documents with safe and legal importation, however we cannot ship this overseas. Some people are allergic to it. Rosewoods affect quite a few people and of the rosewoods cocobolo is one of the more common irritable woods. It is decay resistant and generally impervious to insect attack. Recently I have made a few pipes from some exotic woods one of which being ziricote which is a toxic wood. Cocobolo Wood Blanks, Cocobolo Turning Blanks, hobby wood and instrument wood. Turners often apply only a cabinetmaker's wax to cocobolo. How to install metal slides on wood cabinets. dangers associated with "toxic" woods. Some people are affected by wood dust more so than others. Top Rated Seller Top Rated Seller. I can't even cut it without a full respirator on. As well, it possesses a natural luster obvious even when it is fresh sawn. Although cocobolo grips screws well, gluing poses a problem. And, we give slow-set epoxy the nod over other adhesives. Takes days to go away completely. But I think Madagascar rosewood is better anyway. Additional Wood Toxicity Data In addition to the material presented in this table, here are a few other sources containing information about wood toxicity: Toxic Woods, HSE’s Woodworking National Interest Group – Information on the reported adverse health effects associated with the more common woods used in commercial quantities within the UK, such as mahogany, oak, pine, teak etc. Remember, though, that the wood darkens with age, and without finish protection, turns nearly black. Items Made Cocobolo Lumber front view Above: Picture of a serving bowl turned from Cocobolo wood. I get contact dermatitis when I touch certain newspapers(think parade insert on Sundays) or just even certain regular newspapers. Cocobolo wine stoppers. It won't hurt you if it's finished. No, cocobolo wood is not toxic. Cocobolo has great working properties & turns to a naturally glass-like polish. Latin Name: Dalbergia retusa . There is very little information on the volume of international trade although Cocobolo wood is [...] available from numerous sources online. Cocobolo has a bad reputation, but not for its working qualities. John Brock: Cocobolo (dalbergia retusa), like all the members of the dalbergia family (African blackwood, Brazilian rosewood, etc.) I lost my Uncle 3 years ago and my Aunt 8 months ago to lung cancer because of long-term cedar exposure. Because of this, as well as its durability, density and color, it is highly demanded for use in the manufacturing of cutlery handles, musical and scientific instruments, jewelry boxes, and specialty wood products. © 2020 Meredith Corporation. Scrollsaw, Carving, and Decorative Projects, Hardness ratings help you choose the right species. You must log in or register to reply here. It is extremely beautiful, ranging in color from dark red to reddish brown, with an irregular grain pattern. We recommend that you wear full protective gear when working with this wood. Anyway would smoking from this pipe cause any adverse effects. It makes your fingers smell peculiar (I presume from the oils in the wood), and the smell doesn't just wash off. Is it, and if so, how much exposure to it, under what conditions and so on, is a problem? But if you just want to be safe, you might as well wear a surgical mask when you're cutting it. Being native to the Pacific areas of Central America, Cocobolo is a very dense wood that resists rot. With age, it darkens. While this is a great advantage in the longevity of the wood, it presents an apparent disadvantage to woodworkers looking to utilize this beautiful hardwood. 2 Cocobolo Wood Pool Cue Blanks Seasoned Lumber 1.5x18 Handles Furnitures Making. This wood is a well-known sensitizer that can produce a poison-ivy type rash or other reaction in allergic individuals. It is so dense that it is one of the few woods in the world that will not float in water. That's because the tree-first discovered in Panama-was classified as rosewood. Object size is up to 26 cm. From what I've read it's not a good thing to breathe in the dust. NEW YORK CITY - Woodworkers may be surprised to learn that a number of familiar woods that are popularly used, including Anigre, Ipe, and Cocobolo, also rank high among endangered wood … All inhaled wood dust is hazardous to your long-term health. 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Savanna country of Central America 's rain forests more common irritable woods when turning.! Little information on the finest cutlery other starring roles as well wear a surgical mask when you cutting!