I have a spalted maple slab that is solid and dry. No mold on the surfaces. I’m sanding some of the edge to lighten the darkness there. Is it mold I’m removing? I’ve sprayed it with a mold remover, but it didn’t change. The darkness does disappear somewhat along the edge when I sand deeper, but still lingers in other areas. It is darkest where the spalting has those nice black lines.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
40 Pcs Wooden Bead Kit
Package includes: 6/8/10/12/14/15/16/18/20/22/25mm blade+1pcs shank+ 26pcs cores.
Wen 6321 Belt Sander
Weight: 6.2 lb. Amps: 7 Variable speed: No Belt alignment: Good Material removal rate: Poor Sanding flatness: Very good Shaping/scribing: Fair Handling on side: Very good Dust collection with hose: N/A
Ridgid R86044B
Power: Good Cut visibility: Very good Control: Good (with standard base) Bit changes: Good Depth adjustment: Excellent
Ridgid R4251 Miter Saw
The Ridgid R4251 was a pleasant surprise. It uses two articulating arms to let it sit against a wall. The mechanism had me skeptical, but it performed excellently. The controls are conveniently placed and easy to use. The bevel and tilt locks for working off of the stops were my favorite of the field. Its LED results in a nice, accurate shadow.
Forrest Woodworker II Blade
A high quality, staple blade for your table saw. With 48 teeth, it is suitable for both ripping and crosscutting.
Replies
Fungi, not mold. Spalting in wood is created from fungi. Since it requires moisture, the fungi would be more active just below the bark, in cases where the bark was left on.
Thanks for this John. I've been taking out most of this fungi with a wire disc and sander. The powdered wood/fungi is hard to contain. Is it a health concern?
It's not particularly hazardous. Some types of fungi are edible.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2009/04/14/working-with-spalted-wood
John, thanks again! I did look for info in FWW, but didn't look hard enough. Thanks for doing my homework for me.
Between the bark and the sapwood is Cambium, a thin dark layer.
https://www.davidstimber.com.au/resource-centre/timber-properties/sapwood-and-heartwood/
Thanks, Gulfstar!
Fungi = mold, mildew, mushrooms, etc.; they're all fungi. You are correct that some are edible, but some are quite hazardous, it all depends........ Fungi are not hazardous in themselves, but some produce mycotoxins that can be very dangerous. Identification of the bad boys is very difficult outside a lab. Thus, breathing "fungi/mold" is not an especially good idea no matter what the specie.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled