[jmc0319]

I am making a cutting board and would like to know how best to finish it. I am using maple and oak.

[nealtw]

http://www.finewoodworking.com/how-to/article/food-safe-finishes.aspx

[dthornton]

I presume that you intend to use this for food use. You want to use either olive oil or you can find an oil for cutting boards (unscented, pure mineral oil). Do not use any stains, varnishes, oils, or other compounds that are not designated for food contact.

[jmc0319]

Originally Posted by dthornton

I presume that you intend to use this for food use. You want to use either olive oil or you can find an oil for cutting boards (unscented, pure mineral oil). Do not use any stains, varnishes, oils, or other compounds that are not designated for food contact.

Thanks. Is tung oil safe for cutting boards?

[nealtw]

Oily rags left alone can combust on there own, That alone drove me to the bees wax and real shellack chips that you heat up and mix together and let cool. It just took a while for me to remember why. Combustable rags and wood shop, not a good mix.
http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/13477/how-to-safely-and-not-so-safely-dispose-of-oil-soaked-rags

[jmc0319]

Originally Posted by nealtw

Oily rags left alone can combust on there own, That alone drove me to the bees wax and real shellack chips that you heat up and mix together and let cool. It just took a while for me to remember why. Combustable rags and wood shop, not a good mix.
http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/13477/how-to-safely-and-not-so-safely-dispose-of-oil-soaked-rags

Great point.

[CallMeVilla]

I built a large island, topped with a big cutting board (48"66"). Used walnut oil to finish it. Looked great. I reapplied the oil about twice a year because it seldom got wet. The one side was an overhang for bar stools. Everything worked out great.

[jmc0319]

Originally Posted by CallMeVilla

I built a large island, topped with a big cutting board (48"66"). Used walnut oil to finish it. Looked great. I reapplied the oil about twice a year because it seldom got wet. The one side was an overhang for bar stools. Everything worked out great.

The Olympic thing I can find in the big box is tung oil

[jmc0319]

Originally Posted by jmc0319

The Olympic thing I can find in the big box is tung oil

Love autocorrect. That was the only thing I can find is tung oil.

[CallMeVilla]

Walnut oil is readily available ... I got mine at: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16418&utm_source=google&utm_mediu m=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PLA&g clid=CPuixuuMgLYCFetFMgodCQgASw

Remember, it must be 100% pure walnut oil without any additives or preservatives. Make sure it is for use on food surfaces.

Make sure you invite me for dinner.