Assistance Finishing a Cheese Board

[DJ’s Timber]

Chemist or Supermarket

[BobL]

I would not use any organic-based oil. Mineral oil, as Wendy mentioned, is preferred and will not go rancid.

Mineral oil is organic in origin - it comes from fossilized dead sea creatures.
Synthetic oils like some hydraulic oils are also not organic but I would not advise putting these on a surface that will contact foods.
Chainsaw bar oil, some two stroke lube, and gearbox oil are also made from mineral oil but also probably not a good idea because of the additives.

I think what you mean by mineral oil is "purified fossilized oil without additives" as available from a pharmacy or supermarket.

[Honorary Bloke]

Mineral oil is organic in origin - it comes from fossilized dead sea creatures.

Fair call. You caught me out. I meant to say avoid things like vegetable oil, olive oil, grape oil, etc.

Bugger!

[telemeister]

Hi all,

I decided to go with parafin and beeswax. On the jacarandah board I used both, and on a smaller campher laurel I just used the parafin. They came up looking really nice. I would like to know how to get that nice shine though. Any hints?

As I said, this is a learning exercise for me. I have learned that belt sanders and orbital sanders each have their own use and should be used in combination. I have also learned that finishing isn't as simple as a trip to the hardware store and that finding really fine sandpaper for timber (better than 240 grit) is easier said than done. One last thing, which I am sure you all already know, the sheer beauty of a natural timber product was reinforced. It amazes me that a piece of rough branch cut hastily with a chainsaw needs just a couple of hours work to become a truely beautiful piece.

One question I have is about Shellac. I have seen it at the hardware store and am wondering if I could use it on a board?

Cheers for now and I will keep you all up to date.