Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Dec 29, 2007 08:59am | #1

   Vance,

   I'm not quite sure the grain orientation of your top, which you describe as an "edge grained butcher block".  When I think of a butcher block, I think of end grain exposed on the top and bottom.  However, edge grained implies that the edge grain comprises the work surface instead.

   Regardless, I would oil the entire top (top, bottom and edges) prior to installation.  If this is not possible, then have the client finish as much as possible.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   vance | Dec 29, 2007 06:08pm | #2

   Thanks for your reply,Yes I meant the top with the edge grain facing up.Yes, it will all be oiled before installation, but you didn't get the gist of my letter.I'm only concerned about oiling the top months down the road and if this will cup/warp the maple over a period of time.thanks again for the nice reply,Vance

2. 
   ring | Dec 29, 2007 06:17pm | #3

   Tough call. But I'd put some kind of sealer on the underside of the maple before installing it. Shellac, sanding sealer, whatever. All the coats of oil it will ever get on top will never be in real equilibrium with the underside, but I'd rather have something serious to start out on the bottom.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   vance | Dec 29, 2007 06:45pm | #4

   David,Thanks for your reply,I never thought of sealing the bottom. It makes sense though.Do you think it might be a good idea to Shellac the entire piece first, and then scuff sand down the top and then start with the oil coat? I've seen your nice Web site! Have you ever used Maple for a top before and run into movement problems?Vance

1. 
   ring | Dec 29, 2007 09:39pm | #5

   Vance,

   Several times when I've been in a hurry I've used a very diluted nitrocellulose sanding sealer as first coat and then gone on to oil finish.  Never tried it with shellac.   I feel it's kind of "cheating" but hey, time is money.  I'd recommend finishing the top with whatever finish you know works for you.  Just put something on the underside before attaching.

   We've used lots of maple for work islands without any particular problems.  On the website there's a photo of one of them (as I recall) called "Michal's kitchen" with 3" thick maple top.David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   vance | Dec 29, 2007 10:46pm | #6

   David,
   Thanks again for your insight.When I make up the top I'll seal the whole thing with some type of sealer and then oil the top with tung/mineral oil.Vance