A bunch of wood species have toxic effects on people. Cedar will get you when sanding, Oak and Ash splinters always get infected and Ebony dust is toxic. I have some Padauk that is beautiful, but nobody wants to machine it because it gives off a very fine, bright orange dust that's like baby powder.

It's the price we pay to chase a dream.

How right you are John and many of these woods I've never worked with.

The only reason I'm working with Oak is for the shop projects like shelves, jigs..etc.
and even knowing how the edges will splinter...they'll still sneak up and get me.

Well it's a fairly new-found love and it's much like playing an instrument - once it
gets you it's just hard to let it go. Worth it? Well I've played guitar since I can remember
and never had the feeling that I had and have when I play the one I made for myself....so
yeah, without doubt I can say it's worth it.