Chopping boards

[alex_w]

Hi,

 

I understand the benefits of sycamore for chopping boards, but does the wood have to be seasoned or can it be green or partially dried.

 

Many thanks

[slack ma girdle]

Seasoned.

[tommer9]

As above- seasoned is best, You can use green, but i think you would be disappointed when it starts moving and cracking due to drying out so fast....

[swinny]

What other wood's can be used? oak and beech etc? anything else?? girlfriend wants me to do some....

[treewizard]

was also gonna ask about these what oil is food safe to use on them?

[tommer9]

Oak and beech both fine.

Chestnut Products - First for Finishes

[treewizard]

cheers mate, sorry to invade your thread alex

[born2trot]

Would a very light vegetable/sunflower oil be ok?

 

Seem to remember Ray Mears carving some nice sweet chestnut chopping boards.

[tree monkey]

ikea used to use a food safe oil i used to use it on my butchers block.

i think if your using sycamore kiln dried would be best my block is edged with beech as its a harder wood for taking knocks if its been used, a bread board doesnt need to be so heavily constructed.

ive seen beech ones as well but i havnt seen an oak one i think it may taint food because of its high tanning content but not sure.

if you have a local butcher you might be able to ask advice there.also just a thought if you are making it traditionally as in squares cut and fixed together grain pointing upwards reason for this it doesnt chip lumps of wood off when chopping,you must consider the fact that the glue has to be waterproof and non-toxic.

[farmer rod]

was also gonna ask about these what oil is food safe to use on them?

Tung Oil is fantastic, it is good for outdoors and in, made from Tung Nut so totally edible, paint it on, rag off after an hour and the job is done.