Tamboti question

[Richard Marsh]

I am guessing I don't need to worry, but thought I would ask here for opinions. I have just completed a peppermill using Tamboti to be given to a coworker as a retirement gift. Wanting to know a little more about the wood, I did a little research and have found that the latex sap is toxic (no worries there) and the sawdust can be toxic. I'm guessing that a thorough cleaning (blow out and hit with a stiff bottle brush) of the interior should be sufficient to remove any concern. Any thoughts?

Also, Happy New Year,
Richard

 

[Mark Mandell]

Never used the stuff, but if you're committed to it, two careful coats of epoxy, about 12 hours apart, on the interior walls should be sufficient to isolate the surface from the peppercorns.

 

[hockenbery]

You can also slide PVC pipe into the mill to isolate the wood from the pepper corns.

I am unfamiliar with the wood and its toxicity.

Al

 

[Richard Marsh]

Al, thanks for the seed to an idea. I will use a piece of acetate sheet (remember the overhead projector days?), cut to appropriate size, roll up, slide in, and let it expand to the diameter of the bore. That will isolate and be very thin not significantly reducing the peppercorn capacity.
Richard

 

[Bill Boehme]

I am guessing I don't need to worry, but thought I would ask here for opinions. I have just completed a peppermill using Tamboti to be given to a coworker as a retirement gift. Wanting to know a little more about the wood, I did a little research and have found that the latex sap is toxic (no worries there) and the sawdust can be toxic. I'm guessing that a thorough cleaning (blow out and hit with a stiff bottle brush) of the interior should be sufficient to remove any concern. Any thoughts?

Also, Happy New Year,
Richard

Al, thanks for the seed to an idea. I will use a piece of acetate sheet (remember the overhead projector days?), cut to appropriate size, roll up, slide in, and let it expand to the diameter of the bore. That will isolate and be very thin not significantly reducing the peppercorn capacity.
Richard

I think that it is a bad idea to use a toxic wood to make for a peppermill. There is lots of information available if you do a Google search. The information that I found says that it is a direct toxin and emits a fairly strong fragrance that can cause nausea. I think that the fragrance from the wood might ruin the flavor of the peppercorns and I would also be concerned about what toxic effects that would have. I also think that you ought to completely seal all interior surfaces. You should also tell the coworker about the potential toxicity of the wood because they may have some condition like contact dermatitis that you aren't aware of. One of the members in my club used to turn lots of items from cocobolo, but then he became sensitized to it and many other types of oily wood. Now, just mentioning the name cocobolo to him causes hives. 🙄

 

[Gretch Flo]

I think that it is a bad idea to use a toxic wood to make for a peppermill. I also think that you ought to completely seal all interior surfaces. You should also tell the coworker about the potential toxicity of the wood because they may have some condition like contact dermatitis that you aren't aware of. One of the members in my club used to turn lots of items from cocobolo, but then he became sensitized to it and many other types of oily wood. Now, just mentioning the name cocobolo to him causes hives. 🙄

Bill- I agree. A fragrant wood would not be a good idea with imparting flavor (regardless of toxicity) . A simple example would be aromatic red cedar for utensils, and things like a pepper mill-pretty wood tho. Gretch

 

[n7bsn]

I don't think I'd use it, but then I only use domestic hardwoods for mills.
I just made the first thing (shop pencil) I've ever done with this wood, if it all chips as bad as piece I worked, I would never use it again.

 

[Richard Hodsdon]

Here in Zululand, South Africa where I live, Tambotie (Spirostachys Africana) is very common. The timber is sought after by turners and furniture makers.
Regarding the Toxicity. The sap of freshly cut wood will cause temporary and painful blindness, It is also used by the locals for toothache. A Game ranger noted that when he lost a tooth 2 days into a 6 day patrol ,one of his fellow rangers put some sap on the tooth "hole" daily and he was able to complete the patrol.
Dry wood should not be used for a Braai ( Barbecue) as the smoke from the burning wood will contaminate the meat. You will know about it the next morning or sooner. However after the food is cooked use the wood for the campfire. It has a lovely aroma.

There should be no problem using it for a peppermill, and in many a curio shop here in RSA you will find such items made from Tambotie. I have a Tambotie mortar and pestle that we have been using for 40 years without ant problems. A local business that turns peppermills lines the inside with a plastic tube for the overseas HSE worriers, and has never had any comebacks. Us locals don't bother.
My wife and I have been turning Tambotie probably weekly for the last 20+ years and have never had any problem. It turns well provided you have sharp tools and don't scrape. It makes magnificent pens platters bowls etc.

Richard

 

[Richard Marsh]

Thanks for all the feedback. I ended up rolling up a stiff piece of plastic and slid it in. It expanded and created a barrier just to be safe. Below is a photo of the finished product.
Richard

 

[Gretch Flo]

Very pretty grinder!!!!!, Gretch