Rhododendrons

[rossbird]

Is the wood any good for carving?

[Adam Savage]

I know it's good for machining with lathes, etc...Not sure about hand carving though, might be a little tough.

http://www.littleshavers.com/Handles.html

[rossbird]

Thanks Adam, cut a branch from over a footpath tonight. Seemed really dense, set me thinking.

[Adam Savage]

Cool, remember the longer you leave it to season, the harder it will get to carve, as with all wood, but sometimes it can split if you shape/carve it, then let it season. It's partly luck, but if you avoid any knotty parts, it should minimise that.

[rossbird]

I'll have go over the weekend and report back.

[Adam Savage]

Look forward to seeing what you make buddy.

[rossbird]

Had a go at a spoon, Adam.
To my inexperienced eye, it seems fine for carving.
Next question, which oil should I use on it.

[Adam Savage]

Well done mate.
If you are going to use it as a spoon (pretty likely lol) then you'll need mineral oil, maybe walnut or peanut oil (as long as you're not allergic to nuts). Don't use veg oil or olive oil, they will go nasty eventually and make you ill.

[Solidedge]

Sorry to barge in but I paniced because I heard a while ago that these are poisenous ans under no circumstances should you use any would for ingestion from or around the Rhododendron.

I heard the same that alot of old bow makers died from using Yew tree's.

Please ignore me if i'm wrong.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron#Toxicology

Regards

Mike

[Silverback]

Sorry to barge in but I paniced because I heard a while ago that these are poisenous ans under no circumstances should you use any would for ingestion from or around the Rhododendron.

I heard the same that alot of old bow makers died from using Yew tree's.

Please ignore me if i'm wrong.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron#Toxicology

Regards

Mike

Wiki isnt known for its accuracy however if you look at the toxicology data it would appear that the main focus of the problem is from the leaves flowers and pollen of the plant. Especially if you're a horse.

There have only been 11 recorded cases in the last 30 years - in a world population of 7 billion thats an incredibly low number. Also given that there are 28,000 hybrids or cultivars then your chances of actually getting a poisonous one are extremely slim.

Yew however is proven to make you ill

On the flip side to err is human so to err on the side of caution isnt a problem. Thanks for the link Mike

[Solidedge]

Thanks for putting me right on this Sapper, I bow to your knowledge.

"The mind is like a parachute, it needs to be open to work"

Regards

Mike

[Silverback]

Thanks for putting me right on this Sapper, I bow to your knowledge.

"The mind is like a parachute, it needs to be open to work"

Regards

Mike

Theres no need to bow to knowledge Mike. Its analysis of the data provided by wiki. The same page goes on to detail the medicinal properties of the Rhododendron - so on one hand its poisonous and on the other medicinal - quite contradictory.
Although many plants share the same properties. Digitalis (foxgloves) is a prime example Depending on the species, the digitalis plant may contain several deadly physiological and chemically related cardiac and steroidal glycosides. Thus, the digitalis has earned several more sinister names: Dead Man’s Bells, and Witches’ Gloves.The entire plant is toxic (including the roots and seeds), although the leaves of the upper stem are particularly potent, with just a nibble, being enough to potentially cause death.

On the flip sides a drug made from Digitalis is routinely used in hospitals around the world. Today, the most common indications for digoxin are probably atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

[comanighttrain]

Especially if you're a horse.

Especially if you're a horse.

Especially if you're a horse.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v0eUAdG-gyQ/TCGO6xf5y8I/AAAAAAAAAF8/2r6dZO_SWgM/s400/scared_horse.jpg

[rossbird]

Neeeeeeeigh:ashamed:

[rossbird]

Sorry to barge in but I paniced because I heard a while ago that these are poisenous ans under no circumstances should you use any would for ingestion from or around the Rhododendron.

I heard the same that alot of old bow makers died from using Yew tree's.

Please ignore me if i'm wrong.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron#Toxicology

Regards

Mike
Thanks for the heads up Mike, as Sapper says all info is worth a look before, making a decision.
I did see the wiki link, then after some more searching, came up with this.
http://www.wildresources.co.uk/reports/rhodo_eng.pdf

Tony

[Solidedge]

Wow page 18

"Estimates have been made to
the effect that 100 to 225 g of leaves must be eaten to seriously poison a 55lb (25 kg) child." I think that puts my mind to rest

[rossbird]

yeah, it soothed my soul:o

[Adam Savage]

Like you guys say though. It's always better to check these things and examine the information well. The thought never even crossed my mind about it being harmful, as many "poisonous" trees, are only poisonous under certain circumstances, and very rarely the actual "woody" part of them. Holly for example is poisonous, but fires, fueled with holly, were used to sterilize surgical instruments, as it burns with an incredibly clean smoke.

[Solidedge]

Holly for example is poisonous, but fires, fueled with holly, were used to sterilize surgical instruments, as it burns with an incredibly clean smoke.

You learn something everyday.