Chopping boards

[Paul NQ]

I know that some timbers can be more of an irritant than others, when working with them. Are there any that should not be used for food preparation?

[Bleedin Thumb]

Well I wouldn't be making a wooden spoon out of Oleander.

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Well I wouldn't be making a wooden spoon out of Oleander.

Why not? Perfect chrissy prez for MIL. An Oleander salad serving set, spalted timber salad bowls and a Cocobolo & Treated Pine chopping board.

Hint: if the wake's not catered, plead unavoidable responsibilities.

[ubeaut]

'White Oil' or 'Mineral Oil' = Parafin Oil. Buy it at the chemist or Supermarket.

[A-Marks]

No Serously
when Butchers used endgrain Blocks to chop all they ever used was mutton fat and you'de think that would go rancid but No!

petroleum based products should be a NoNo where contact with food is expected.

I have used all kinds of "safe" finishes and in the end they all cop a hiding and end up looking the same (USED)
for mine - I sell them with no finish and give with each a small canister of ecowood oil finish which makes the board somewhat waterproof. But can scuff when being put in and out of the car going to markets to sell.

Glues Now that there is Polyurethane (core that's a mouthful) Glue I always use them with either a beed or several biscuits as joint strengthers. I have had probs with folks returning boards that were glued with various white and yellow glues albeit my thoughts is that the glues were too old when I used them and or the people used the dishwasher to clean the boards
I dont know of any glue that will hang together under those circumstances except epoxy and who wants to use that.

OK
so there you have it
My way of finishing boards

[Shedgirl]

I've used olive oil on my favourite jarrah board for the last 20 years (until I left it in the oven by accident and now it's black instead of red). I was told to use olive specifically because it doesn't go rancid, unlike some other veg oils, and I've had no problem at all. I have a good nose (handy when you live around here!), and I notice 'rancid' before most people would. Walnut oil does harden off to a beautiful, very durable finish, and once it has cured it seems to be pretty stable. I hadn't considered the allergy angle, though.