Replies

1. 
   BruceS | May 20, 2008 04:59am | #1

   I believe it's the lumber your working with. It happens to me when I work with walnut and oak.  Just rinse them off with lemon juice.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   JackStack | May 20, 2008 05:09am | #2

   I am some what new to woodworking and I was thinking that it was the tools..... But I have been working with white oak and walnut..... Thank you for your time.

1. 
   GW52 | May 23, 2008 09:17pm | #17

   Jack,

   Welcome to the club white oak does the same thing to my hands.

   Greg

1. 
   trialnut | May 24, 2008 03:41pm | #18

   I have found that "Fast Orange" hand cleaner, available at auto parts stores also works well.

   RichThe Professional Termite

1. 
   coolbreeze | May 25, 2008 09:57pm | #19

   Someone else called it Goop. I have had the clenser in "Orange Goop" and "Fast Orange". I like Fast Orange better because OG has an abrasive in it that settles to the bottom and interfears with the pump.

   On the subject of body chemestry, I have NEVER used body deodorant. Never had to. I have two other siblings who also do not have to use it. It is a blessing. I also have never experienced any staining of my fingers while using any kind of wood, walnut included. I have used a card scraper extensively.

   All that and a few $ will get you coffee at Starbucks.

   Cool

2. 
   RMillard | May 20, 2008 03:32pm | #3

   I think it is a reaction of the oils in your skin to some (most) woods. When I carve it seems to affect me more. I started wiping the tools down with mineral spirits and that helped a lot.

   Rob Millard

   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

    

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | May 20, 2008 03:47pm | #4

   Rob & Bruce,

   Now that blows my mind. 

   For the first ever I milled some Western Red Cedar and got the same reaction on my hands.  I've worked with Eastern White Cedar many times but never noticed it before.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   BruceS | May 20, 2008 07:51pm | #6

   Old Dogs with  Old TricksWork Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

3. 
   Jamie_Buxton | May 20, 2008 05:43pm | #5

   There's lotions described as "gloves in a bottle".  I know a fiberglasser who swears by it.  You might try that to keep the stain off your skin.

4. 
   saschafer | May 21, 2008 03:27am | #7

   "...the stuff still stays in the cracks of my hands..."

   Those 3M microfiber cleaning cloths do a remarkable job of getting stuff out of the cracks and crevices in your hands. Not perfect, but better than just about anything else I've ever used.

   -Steve

    

5. 
   flairwoodworks | May 21, 2008 06:27am | #8

   Jack,

   I've experienced the same thing when using card scrapers (on walnut, cherry, maple, etc).  I wash my hands well after working to lighten up the staining, and the rest wears off pretty quickly.  For me, it's just a fact of life - just like getting sawdust on your clothes.

   Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   philip | May 21, 2008 11:36am | #9

   That is from the tannin content in some timbers such as Oak....plus some moisture and that is what you get.
   Actually there are many timbers which produce this result.Philip Marcou

1. 
   Henley | May 21, 2008 03:08pm | #10

   Also Gorrila Glue will turn your hands black. They even put a picture of some poor guy's hand on the bottle!

1. 
   HoustonHeights | May 21, 2008 05:15pm | #11

   I second the recommendation of lemon juice.  It gets off all the black in seconds.  Buy a bottle and keep it in the fridge. 

1. 
   dhelm | May 21, 2008 08:50pm | #12

   I've been using surgical gloves for many years, both as a carpenter and as a woodworker.  They can be bought by the large box at safety supply stores for a relatively inexpensive price.  My hands stay clean.  Only drawback is sweating in hot weather.

2. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | May 22, 2008 08:11pm | #13

   I work mainly with oak and did know as Phillip mentioned it was mainly from the tannins. I comes off but it comes right back as I stay somewhat busy. Thanks for the suggestion of lemon juice whoever posted it.

   I think I will plant a lemon tree outside my shop today and take a long nap till I have a cheap source on hand. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

   Sarge..

3. 
   BruceS | May 22, 2008 10:08pm | #14

   My stepbrother told me about the lemon juice many moons ago,  but vinegar will work too.  But not nearly as good a smell.  Mesquite turns his hands black, but here in Ohio I don't have that problem.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

4. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | May 23, 2008 12:35am | #15

   I keep a gallon of vinegar on hand, Bruce. But the lovely lady upstairs does complain of the smell. I am going to replace that with lemon juice as she does love the smell of lemons. I might just cover my entire body with it to see if there are hidden bonuses to making the switch. :>)

   Regards...

   Sarge..

    

5. 
   BruceS | May 23, 2008 01:32am | #16

   Puts a new meaning to.   A little twist :-)Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S.