Iroko, can I smoke in it?
Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 7:04 am
Hello everyone, my name is Carl.
I never crafted a pipe before and I decided to start work on one with the wood I have laying around, the only hardwood I have that is thick enough for a pipe is Iroko.
Not sure how many people know about it, all I know is that its hard as rock a bit brittle but lasts for ever, rain or shine.
According to wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iroko_%28hardwood%29 it is also known as African Teak, there is also a sentence on that same page that says:
"In the UK there are trade restrictions on the machining of this timber as the dust is known to be carcinogenic."
Now I know smoking tobacco isn't exactly what the doctor ordered but I don't want to make it worse or get unwanted side effects from smoking in this wood. From my experience working with the wood it releases a very strong but aromatic smell when burnt by power tools.
So if anyone out there has better knowledge of this wood I would appreciate your opinion.
Also since this is my first pipe I was wondering what thickness should the air passage be, is it a matter of personal preference?
I never crafted a pipe before and I decided to start work on one with the wood I have laying around, the only hardwood I have that is thick enough for a pipe is Iroko.
Not sure how many people know about it, all I know is that its hard as rock a bit brittle but lasts for ever, rain or shine.
According to wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iroko_%28hardwood%29 it is also known as African Teak, there is also a sentence on that same page that says:
"In the UK there are trade restrictions on the machining of this timber as the dust is known to be carcinogenic."
Now I know smoking tobacco isn't exactly what the doctor ordered but I don't want to make it worse or get unwanted side effects from smoking in this wood. From my experience working with the wood it releases a very strong but aromatic smell when burnt by power tools.
So if anyone out there has better knowledge of this wood I would appreciate your opinion.
Also since this is my first pipe I was wondering what thickness should the air passage be, is it a matter of personal preference?