Woodwork help needed

[owain]

Hey guys im currently trying make a beech butchers block as a christmas present but have hit a few snags first is that after planing and smoothing the block it has started to leak moisture at the ends It seems as it dries out cracks are starting to form. Im not really sure how to prevent this from happening? You can see in the 3rd pic the dark patches on the left are where moisture is leaving the wood. Would oiling the wood stop the cracking and drive the moisture out?

 

 

 

 

Im planning on using Tung oil and finishing with beeswax. Although im not sure if the beeswax is a good idea as it is being used to chop food on.

 

Any help would be appreciated. Many thanks Owain

[Mozza]

Try this link mate, There's a wood drying page on the alaskin saw mill site, Hope this helps

 

alaskan mill I home of the portable chainsaw mill

[Rupe]

Thats a lovely bit of wood. A true butchers block is made using the end grain though. What you have got there is big chopping board. Nice though.

[owain]

Cheers guys that websites alot of help. Put it in the porch now so it doesnt dry out as quickly. May also oil it now to prevent the water escaping too quickly. As always very helpful guys.

[daveindales]

sorry to say it but with the pith of the tree in your piece of wood, it will probably shake (crack) I used to seal ends with PVA, but in this case I think a crack is likely to happen (hope I'm wrong though)

[Ian Leach]

I would have to agree with the above comment there will be alot of splitting and warping in it yet. Oil might help slow the process down if your lucky be doubtful, sorry looks a great piece tho.

[Frank]

I thought chopping boards etc were made with loads of little squares of end grain stuck together.

[Ian Leach]

I thought chopping boards etc were made with loads of little squares of end grain stuck together.

 

Thats the posh ones i think

[Ian Leach]

Just be careful with tung oil as

 

Food contact and allergic reactions

 

As the source of tung oil is a nut, people with nut allergies often report adverse reactions to contact with (or even the odour of) tung oil. Reactions can be severe in some cases. While tung oil has been used for many centuries as a finish for kitchen items such as wooden bowls and cutting boards, some individuals must avoid its use.

[owain]

Ah so i'll just have to blag the cracking as a more "rustic look". I was wondering where tung oil was sourced. i have plenty of linseed oil although theres a hazard triangle on the back with a warning about contact with the eyes and skin so im guessing it wouldnt be appropriate for contact with food. Even though pure linseed oil is used in cooking . Shouldnt be too much of a problem though as none of my family have any nut allergies. But thanks for the heads up, would be pretty bad if we had a guest round and sent them into shock!

 

Cheers Owain