Cutting red cedar question

[jerry walters]

Today I tried cutting a Christmas ornament on red cedar. As I was cutting the sawdust was covering the lines on the pattern. My air blower was not blowing the sawdust off the line. Is this normal when cutting red cedar? Is there oil in red cedar that sticks to the pattern? Had to use a brush to brush sawdust off the pattern. Doesn't stick when cutting other wood. Do any of you have issues cutting red cedar? I have never used red cedar before. The red cedar was in a sample of different woods that I purchased about 3 years ago.

Thanks,

Jerry Walters

Edited December 4, 2023 by jerry walters
To make question easier to understand.

[jerry walters]

Ray, I made a couple of changes to my question. Maybe now it will be clearer to the reader. In my mind I understand what the question is. You know us humans, our fingers don't always hit the right keys.

Jerry

[dgman]

Jerry, yes, there is a lot of oil in red Cedar. The oil makes the dust wet and makes it harder for the blower to blow it away. Keep a small paint brush  handy to sweep the dust away while you’re sawing. Also, a lot of folks are sensitive to the oil. You should wear a dust mask when cutting red Cedar. Make sure you don’t touch your face while cutting it and wash your hands after cutting.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

My take on this is twofold First it can be a toxic wood and many people are allergic to it.  Second the dust is a fine dust and can be static clinging to your work piece.

 

[Garyrenee]

Western red is very toxic and should be used accordingly. High in resins which is why it is a good choice for exterior applications. This wood is no joke when talking toxicity. Be very respectful when using it 

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, jerry walters said:

Ray, I made a couple of changes to my question. Maybe now it will be clearer to the reader. In my mind I understand what the question is. You know us humans, our fingers don't always hit the right keys.

Jerry

My "confused" reaction wasn't that I'm confused it was just to denote that it was a question awaiting an answer. 

[rafairchild2]

Red cedar is the main reason why I built a "Top Vac" on to my saw and added a room air filtration unit.  The above comments list the reasons why.  I recommend not only the above advice but also adding as much filtration and dust handing at the source as much as possible.

[jerry walters]

Thanks for your answers. My experience with red cedar will be short lived. I knew there was some toxicity to red cedar and did wear a mask, but I don't have the where with to invest in filtration equipment. I knew I would get an answer here. Again, my thanks to all of you.

Happy Holidays to all,

Jerry 

[Wichman]

Jerry,

     I was having similar issues with Basswood. This morning I picked up a can of "Static Guard" at the local Krogers, in the laundry dept. It works fairly well, enough that I'll keep a can around for the issue.

[Roberta Moreton]

I don’t like cutting red cedar either. It puts its sticky dust everywhere! Especially if doing compound cuts. 

[Norm Fengstad]

Years ago I developed facial blisters working with cedar, doing intarsia, so I wore a mask it helped but I still had problems so I contacted a toxicologist and was informed that entry points into the human system is not only through the nose but through the eyes and skin. My use of cedar is very limited now.

[Wichman]

42 minutes ago, Norm Fengstad said:

Years ago I developed facial blisters working with cedar, doing intarsia, so I wore a mask it helped but I still had problems so I contacted a toxicologist and was informed that entry points into the human system is not only through the nose but through the eyes and skin. My use of cedar is very limited now.

The problem is that it's not just the dust; it's also the organic vapors from the wood, the smell of fresh cut wood if you will. Those organic vapors are what will enter through the eyes and skin. Long sleeve shirts, pants (not shorts), respirator ( with OG filters) and eye shields (safety glasses) are indicated. Changing clothes when you are done cutting and within a few minutes taking a shower to remove residue and using a nasal cleanser are also wise precautions. Once you are sensitized to one type of wood your resistance to others is reduced. I'm not saying you have to do these things all the time, with every type of wood, but if you know you have a sensitivity, then.....  

After the wildfire disasters several years ago ( 3 to 4 months of continuous heavy smoke ) I am sensitized to just about all wood. After 23 years of military service I'm using to suiting up for chemical exposure (MOPP gear).

[Scrappile]

Never had an issue with cedar, but rarely use it.. I do get reactions to Cocobolo.  When I was turning it was one of my favorites to use.  I always paid a price, nothing serious just some discomforts.   But I suppose with more exposure, the reactions could get worse.