'Vintage' Cutting Board

[hawkinob]

Have been given an old cutting board -sorry don't know the timber (oak?). Would like to clean it up a bit but sanding it seems too drastic and possibly spoil it. Any suggestions please?
Thanks,
Bob H.

[Tex B]

Bob,

I can't see why sanding it would spoil it. If you sand it back, then use a couple of coats of mineral oil (paraffin oil) wiped on, it should be good.

Maybe you could post a pic so we could see why it can't be sanded?

Tex

[Bleedin Thumb]

Really hot soapy water and heaps of elbow grease with a good scourer or scrubbing brush, probably a bit of bleach would help. One of the only times it gets submersed in water. This may take several hours!!! then after its dry some vegetable oil lightly rubbed in.

Tex I recon its best to preserve its history- if you want a new looking one they're easy enough to make.

[hawkinob]

Thank's for the input and suggestions.
I don't want to sand it, the intent is to retain it as is, used, but clean. I'll try to attach a picture.
The size, should that help determine the wood, is 194wide x 404 long x 38 thick (all millimetres).
Thanks,
Bob h.

[hawkinob]

Might have made a bit more sense if I'd added that the board weighs 1.66 kilos.
Bob H.

[DJ’s Timber]

Don't use vegetable oil as it will eventually go rancid. Stick with mineral oil also known as paraffin oil.

[ROB NZ]

To add to the parafin oil advice, I got SWMBO to get some some from our pharmacist today. She explained that it was to apply as a finish to a couple of turned bowls. He responded by saying that local butchers get it from him to apply to their butchers chopping blocks.
Cheers,

ROB NZ

[Bleedin Thumb]

Stand corrected Tex & DJ. You live and learn!

I thought Parafin wouldn't be food grade, but if butchers are allowed to use it, it must be safe....hopefully!