African mahogany - strong smell when cut

[mark-yo]

Hi. I've been using African mahogany for a woodworking class project. I noticed that when it's being cut, it gives off a pretty strong non-woody odor. Has anyone encountered this? Should I be concerned that I'm breathing in something more dangerous than sawdust? Thanks!

[Uncle Cracker]

Lots of woods are "aromatic". African Mahogany (Afzelia) is one such wood. The odors are not poisonous, but the dust from sanding is something you should always protect your lungs from. Even the most benign wood can really mess you up if you breathe the dust. You won't get fine dust from sawing, but you sure will from sanding.

[cabinetman]

Lots of woods are "aromatic". African Mahogany (Afzelia) is one such wood. The odors are not poisonous, but the dust from sanding is something you should always protect your lungs from. Even the most benign wood can really mess you up if you breathe the dust. You won't get fine dust from sawing, but you sure will from sanding.

Or, could be from the genus Khaya.
.

[LCHIEN]

Or, could be from the genus Khaya.
.

Drums made of Khaya have an identical sound as compared to drums made of maple,[citation needed] but 20% more bass.[citation needed]
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaya"


So, isn't that an oxymoron?
Do they sound identical or do they have more bass, in which case they don't sound identical?

[Uncle Cracker]

Or, could be from the genus Khaya.
.

Yes, it could, but you don't see as much of that in this country. Used mostly for musical instruments, I think. I have worked with afzelia, and I do know that it has a particular odor about it.

[cabinetman]

Drums made of Khaya have an identical sound as compared to drums made of maple

So, isn't that an oxymoron?
Do they sound identical or do they have more bass, in which case they don't sound identical?

That's an interesting hypothesis. I thought about it and figured I should call someone who might know for sure. My first choice was Gene Krupa, but I remember he died in 1973, and would be of little value asking. My second choice was Buddy Rich, but ran into the same problem as he died in 1987.

So, my better judgment tells me that the word identical may not be the best choice. Maybe a word a little more specific than similar. I just don't know. But, I'll think about it a little more.
.

[LCHIEN]

That's an interesting hypothesis. I thought about it and figured I should call someone who might know for sure. My first choice was Gene Krupa, but I remember he died in 1973, and would be of little value asking. My second choice was Buddy Rich, but ran into the same problem as he died in 1987.

So, my better judgment tells me that the word identical may not be the best choice. Maybe a word a little more specific than similar. I just don't know. But, I'll think about it a little more.
.

I'm basing my issue based on hi fi music reproduction standards... better reproduction (perfect = identical in sound) involves lack of coloration where things sound brighter or more bassy which involves different response in parts of the audio spectrum. 20% more bass is a significant bass coloration. well, I take that back, its about 1 dB which is generally perceptible but not overwhelming (to most people's ear).

[atgcpaul]

Hi. I've been using African mahogany for a woodworking class project. I noticed that when it's being cut, it gives off a pretty strong non-woody odor. Has anyone encountered this? Should I be concerned that I'm breathing in something more dangerous than sawdust? Thanks!

To me, cut African mahogany smells like bacon. I used it for a whole
semester on a large project and didn't develop any issues during that time.
Your results may vary. I had a ShopVac connected to my saw and wore a
dust mask when sanding, but I do that with all sanding. I also have a ceiling
air purifier.

Paul

[ragswl4]

I don't know about AF, but Padauk also has an odd odor and the sawdust makes me wheeze and cough. Still, I love the wood. Just take precautions in case someone may be allergic. Filter, filter, filter, ................

[Uncle Cracker]

My Baby used to breathe my dust,
Until her lungs began to rust.
She's gone now, because it kilt 'er.
Guess I shoulda bought a filter...

[mark-yo]

Thanks for your responses. M.