A web surfer from ukworkshops, a forum I don’t use, read the previous post and placed in link there which resulted in over forty ukworkshop visits yesterday, and a few, oddly, through the night. Not one comment or opinion expressed here…although on the ukworkshop forum it was suggested that I should a guinea pig and continue using the Yew mug.
No repsonse yet from the toxicologist, either. I’m too busy today and this evening, but tomorrow I’ll send out a raft of emails to every toxicologist I can find an email address for. Round-robin research. That’s the way forward.
November 12, 2009 at 8:23 am
It was me that posted the link, and I didn’t comment here as I didn’t really have anything constructive to add.
Interesting post though, and thanks for investigating this. Looking forward to seeing what response you get.
I posted a query on the GMC Woodturning forum about using yew as a pepper mill. The general consensus was not to use it, although there wasn’t any proof given (as far as I can remember)
Duncan
November 12, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Hello Duncan, thanks for the reply. I’d guessed that the lack of comments was for the very reasons you stated, but had hoped one of the many might have had some information. It does seem odd that all we have is some science related to the leaves and nuts and some anecdotal tales. It would help us all to have some firm information regarding the actual wood. I’ll keep you posted here if I get anything.
November 12, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I have never heard of the problem with yew, but it is not common in my area. Oak is though and I also have not heard of the toxins being a problem. I have used a oak bowl for popcorn and cereal from time to time for a few years without any problems, so far.
…looking forward to answers from your research. many thanks, Jeff
November 12, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Andy
I read your blog through google reader and had read the post before Duncan posted on the forum. I am indeed a member of UKW, so I probably clicked the link to confirm it was the same blog i’d read earlier. Don’t get hung up on people not commenting. As long as you are getting hits, you’ve got an audience.
Tom (wizer)
November 20, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Not yew wood toxicity, but yew berry – they’re incredibly toxic but it’s only the pip that actually contains the toxins. Yesterday I ate the flesh of one after squeezing out the pip and, as I’d been told, it was delicious.
Not to be recommended in high amounts, but worth trying at least once…