Paul Gilbert's comment got me thinking biologically rather than as a woodworker. If you're seeing such a severe mold problem and others in relatively similar climates have not, I wonder if there is a reservoir of mold spores in your shop.
-- This is something I've been wondering about as well. My shop is a converted garage with good (sometimes excessive) airflow. Our area isn't particularly humid, though when I processed the madrone we had been getting some much-needed rain so the ground was moist. Late last year I had a massive mold event with a batch of rough-turned albizia (silk tree) bowls. They were unsealed and the weather was cool. They could very well have left a reservoir of spores in the shop. Oddly, the first time I had mold on madrone it happened in a brand-new shed that had never even gotten rained on.
- If there is visible mold in nooks and crannies in the shop, you could wipe/spray with a fungicide (dilute bleach works).
I've never had free-range mold in the shop. Only on roughed bowls or things stored in plastic.
- In your photo, I see clear plastic curtains--could they be creating a 'plastic bag' effect?
The shower curtains are only around the lathe, to keep my entire shop from being hip-deep in shavings when I rough-turn. They get pulled aside or taken down when I'm not roughing.
- If you've got plastic curtains, as I do, you are probably turning a good amount of wet wood. Maybe those are the days you need to open the windows/doors.
Fair point.
- You local county extension agent could help you learn what mold species you're growing and what temperature it likes best.
Temperature regulation is tricky in my space. I think figuring out a place where I can set at-risk bowls to dry with maximal air flow is my best bet. My husband has offered a day of his time to help with a gigantic shop cleanout as well, which might help. I need to work my way through some of the logjam first, but then it's shovel time!
Good suggestions. thank you.
Kalia
Just thinking out loud about possible causes. Good luck.