Replies

1. 
   osagecanusee | Jul 07, 2002 04:24am | #1

   I've made some beeswax and mineral oil for cutting boards--the proportions aren't set in stone.  Just gently melt some beeswax, watching over it in case it catches on fire (I've never had that happen, just thought I should put some safety advice in here) and mix in about an equal amount of mineral oil--heat a little more if necessary.  Let cool.  If the mixture is too hard, just heat up again and add more oil.  I like it to be like a soft paste.  Also, lots of time I will first put on a coat of Danish oil, and let cure (then it should be food safe too.)  Then put on the beeswax/mineral oil stuff.  I think the Danish oil adds more protection for the wood.

1. 
   LD | Jul 09, 2002 02:29pm | #2

   Thanks for your reply.  How did you apply the mixture to the wood?

1. 
   osagecanusee | Jul 30, 2002 05:54am | #3

   Most often I rub in the oil-wax mixture and then apply pressure with a rag while the object spins on the lathe.  But for non-lathe items like rectangular cutting boards, just apply a generous amount, let sit for a couple hours, and then buff off any excess.

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jul 30, 2002 07:37pm | #4

   A traditional finish for end grain butcher blocks is a mixture of paraffin and mineral oil. Heat the mineral oil in a double boiler and shave in some slivers of paraffin. About a 5 parts oil to 1 part paraffin is close. Apply it warm and let is cool. Lightly scrape off any excess and buff if you want.

   It's an excellent finish for any type of wooden utensil and will last longer than just plain mineral oil.