Having to give up woodworking

Don Baer

Moderator
Staff member
Well it a tough decision and I have struggled with it for 2 year but for health reasons I have to give up woodworking. Some may recall that 2 years ago I suffered a severe allergic reaction to walnut while turning a bowl. After that I would have a reaction when going into the shop so my son totally sanitized the shop including using the air compressor to remove any dust trapped inside the machines. the next time I used to machines to make sawdust I suffered a reaction and once again my family gave the shop a though cleaning thanks to my loving wife. I stayed away from the shop for several months thinking that maybe if I let my body heal I would be OK. The doctor said that it was an alleregic reaction and might be treatable if they could come up with the type of allergy. well after some testing I started to show positive for several species of wood and the treatment for it would be costly. In talking to the doctors about it I asked why now and he just said well sometimes it happens and the walnut triggered it all. I stayed away from the shop for over 9 months and figured I'd give it one more shot. Last wed I went out and planned down some maple only in the shop for 20 minutes. with in an hour my eyes started swelling up and my skin developed a rash. It is now 3 days later and I am still suffering the effects. Benedril helps but I just don't feel like going through this every time I try to doan operation in the shop and really can't afford the cost of all the allergy testing and shots to prevent the reaction. I will continue to live through you efforts and when I can contribute but I am afraid that my furniture making days are at an end.
 
Don, I am sorry to hear about your allergic reaction to wood. It must be a frustrating situation to spend years acquiring skills that you are now unable to practice. I am curious, do you think a person could still do something like wood carving (with hand tools) and not be affected? I ask because I developed a reaction to cedar after building a fence and it really only affected me when making sawdust. Working with handtools seems to eliminate almost all reactions, but maybe my allergy is only a mild case. I do worry that it could translate to other species.
 
Don I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. I can't blame you though, I wouldn't want to do something that gave me such a reaction either.

Perhaps you'll find other ways to enjoy the craft, such as hand carving or something that won't kick up the reactions you get. Either way, I appreciate the fact I know I can get good advice from you're experiences.
 
That is devastating news Don. I hope you will continue here to give us the benefit of your knowledge and experience. I also hope you are able to find a rewarding pass-time to fill the void.
 
My heart goes out to you Don. You do the kind of wonderful work that only comes from those who truly love this craft. My thought in the past that my dust collection was "good enough" has left me with a requirement for face masks and so forth when others would be able to do without them. That is a far lesser burden than an allergic reaction.

One day in 1991 I woke up and was allergic to milk products. As you describe, that's how it happens; one day your not and then you are. Just like that. I have learned how to live with it and carry a pen so I can inject myself if something gets by me. My freinds often make jokes about slipping me something so they can have dinner AND a show :rolleyes:.

My solution is to avoid all things milk. Having to avoid all things woodworking is a burden I cannot imagine. Your health must come first but this is a jagged pill to swallow. I selfishly hope that you will continue to attend and lend your thoughts and knowledge to others here on the forum. Take care and keep watching for new developments that may make a limited use of the shop a possibility in the future.
 
Last edited:
I don't even know what to say Don.

That's got to be a difficult call to make.

Like others, I hope you can come up with some sort of creative outlet.
 
sorry to hear about this don, but you're a tough egg, if you can't build, you can still design so that others can build your ideas. you ain't off the hook by a long shot.
 
My condolences, friend. I may be joining you before too long. Not due to allergies, but to arthritis. Guy shook my hand last Thursday and I still can't close it properly. He was a jerk before he did that and he always will be, because he is the kind of guy that just has to have one up on you. We had talked about arthritis and the things we can no longer do. Then in parting he gives me a vise grip. Accidental? Color me skeptical. Helped a guy with building a jig on Wednesday. Hard time holding a drill motor.

Take good care of yourself. No hobby is worth getting sick over. Or being in pain constantly. I am still wallowing on the subject, unwilling to pack it in, but....I think I know what you are going through.
 
Don,

I have sat here reading all of the posts above. I've been trying to think of something I could say. All I could come up with is, I AM SO SORRY!!!

This is not a good place to sign off with my "Enjoy." Instead, I will say that I wish you the best possible and that I hope you find many things to Enjoy.

JimB
 
Yeah, that su...er stinks. Big time. I'm sure you've thought of the respirator mask to see if that would help, but if the allergy's not limited to inhalant issues, then it'd be tough to wood work in a contamination suit. As the others have said, find a new hobby. I know if I had to give up woodworking, I'd go back to HO trains. That was my hobby before woodworking. Keep us in the loop on what peeks your interest. Jim.
 
sorry to hear about this don, but you're a tough egg, if you can't build, you can still design so that others can build your ideas. you ain't off the hook by a long shot.

Real sorry to see this Don, but I gotta agree with Dan. You've still got a lot to offer, even if making sawdust isn't in the picture anymore.
 
Top