Mugla

[crazylegs]

got hold of some small pieces of Mugla wood. I am reading that it is toxic. This is old and dry. What should I do? Turn it or not?

[bodrighywood]

Do you mean mulga? If so check here might be worth avoiding.

Pete

[Les Symonds]

I too acquired some, a 6" diameter log, about a foot long, and I shall definitely be turning my piece of vulgar mulga....will be interesting to see how you get on.
Les

[seventhdevil]

there really is only one way to tell if you will have a reaction to it and that's to turn it.

some timbers are always going to be a problem for someone somewhere.

try giving the surface a quick sand to see if you have any sort of reaction, if there is none then you should be ok.

[crazylegs]

Yes I do mean Mulga.
I will do as suggested and try it and see if I get a reaction. It was used by the aboriginal people for arrows and spears I think as it was toxic.
If you don't here from me then you will know!!

[seventhdevil]

they used parts of the tree yes but most likely the sap or other toxic part of the plant like ground up leaves and dipped their spear in it, the spear was not necessarily made of mulga...

best to be safe and test it though.

where did you find a bit of mulga then?

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

As the H&S coordinator I have to advise you to take all possible precautions when turning this timber. Use dust extraction and wear a mask and use eye protection. In other words assess the risks and then do all you cab to reduce them.

[crazylegs]

I found a small book end in a local charity shop. Thought it was wasted as it was. Not big but I will do something with it.