Hi all

Found a couple of old waney edge sawn oak boards in the loft when we moved in. not very big, but some nice knots and pippy wood. Made my first piece in oak.

Managed to get enough out to make this this weekend. another shot here.

I've never put a finish on oak before and wondered what anyone recommends? It'll be used for sitting on, standing on, putting cups of tea (that will probably get knocked over) on. So something durable. I love the natural look it has, but I guess I should give it some protection? Oil? varnish? nothing?

The wood was twisted to buggery and lots of twists and weird grain, but my trusty number 7 sorted most of it out (after a good sharpen). Gave a lovely crisp finish too, but I belt sanded it now and I think it looks cracking.

Any suggestion on finish would be appreciated.

Paul 

That looks very nicely done Paul, congratulations!

Oil finishes are regarded as probably the easiest to apply. While they are known to darken light timbers of give a slight "yellowing" effect, you can't really go wrong and they'll keep the piece looking more natural than any varnish ever could. All you do is wipe it on, let it soak in for a few minutes and then wipe of the excess with a clean cloth. You can even buff it in between coats, if you like, for an extra little shine.

Danish Oil, I think, is regarded as the best for heat resistance? It'll bring the grain out lovely as well. 

Excellent, just had a rummage through the cupboard under the sink and I've got a large can of Liberon Superior Danish Oil. I've got a couple of scraps of the wood left so I'll give them a try first.

Thanks OPJ 

Mick,

be aware that it will go quite yellow/ orange. If this is to stand outside it will also test Danish Oil......but the great advantage of oils is that you can re-treat anytime, without having to strip back to the bare wood.

Mike 

Great thanks Mike. I'm going to try it out on a scrap tonight. Will danish oil be ok if the piece is sat on? Wont come off on clothing will it?

Mick.

This was recommended to me http://www.ronseal.co.uk/products/product.jsp?id=24

An old boy who has made garden furniture for years swears by it, though i`ve not used it myself yet, it won`t be long before i do.

Baz

Baz,

I love this warning about self-ignition from the furniture oil tin!!!  The same warning occurs on Danish oil tins.  

Or you could do as the guys do in this video.

Use the menu on the right and scroll down to oil and wax finish.

"So when you've finished with those oily rags, just hang them up to dry out" 

YEAH! ON THE STEPS OF YOUR LADDER!! so next time you use your ladder its got some lovely slippy steps to climbs on.

Oh dear,I think I've been overcome with the dreaded H&S

Mike, I don't know what to suggest if you're struggling to get spontaneous combustion, other than to perhaps trying piling them all up...?

I've not experienced it myself either, thankfully. But I have been told that before they ignite, they start to glow and very bright red/orange, I think?

I want to know if it's possible to "preserve" them in a tightly-sealed jar overnight, so that instead of throwing away tonnes of the stuff, I can use the same cloths to apply the oil over and over? Not something I'm too keen to actually try myself though...!

Olly,

I would wrap the rags in a plastic bag, and seal it up with as little air as possible in the bag. With no air, the oil will neither set nor combust (combustion obviously requires oxygen). painters do this with their brushes rather than washing them out every night, and it works perfectly well.

Mike 

Thanks Mike, I may give it a try some day.

You do realise there's a button that says "Edit Message", don't you Mike? Oh well, at least you're spelling my name right now, thank you!