Surprised
I've used IPE on lots of carving projects and various other projects without suffering any adverse reactions. Red cedar has sent me to the Dr. for allergy shots and cortizone cream. My carver NEVER runs without the 1250 CFM dust collector attached and running and the air scrubber running so maybe that's why I'm okay with it. We installed several thousand board feet of IPE for seating in the amphitheater at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial with no observed reactions from any of the workers. Please don't take this as suggesting precautions aren't necessary when working with any wood. Each of us may react differently. Allergic reactions can kill!! Not a good way to end a session in the shop.
As far as the carving charateristics of IPE, It's my favorite. It carves cleanly, finishes beautifully and is excellent for laminated carvings because of the contrast with light colored woods. It hand carves almost like ivory soap.
Cleaning up with a cabinet scraper finishes it like glass
Jerry
Joanne and me enjoying a beautiful fall in Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills.