Being somewhat familiar with safety measures for artists, I'd suggest that you take precautions to minimize your contact with the dust generated when sawing or sanding the Blackwood. I'm not sure whether Blackwood is one of the types of wood that can trigger toxic reactions when it comes in contact with the human body (specifically the respiratory system!) but it's better to be safe than sorry. While searching for an Irish Flute, I had to pass on those made of Cocus and Rosewood because of the articles that I read about the potential for some nasty skin reactions that some people get from contact with the oils in those woods. Inhaling the dust produced by some of these woods can be absolutely devastating.

Given your background as a machinist, I'd bet that you probably already know to be careful but I figgered that I should mention it.

Best

AA