Ken and list:
Linseed oil was once thought to be the ideal finish. However, studies by the US Forest Products Lab have shown that it actually has enzymes which break the wood down over time. It is no longer the revered finish it once was.
Commercial linseed oil also contains metal oxides to enhance polymerization. It is toxic to the extent that the metal oxides are readily absorbed through the skin. If you couple these with the fact that linseed oil residue is one of the most dangerous substances to keep around the shop due to almost certain spontaneous combustion, there has to be a better product.
CJ
In a message dated Sat, 13 Oct 2001 5:48:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Muttguru@aol.com writes:
> Dear Listers.........
>
> there's always the old standby for fresh wood..... Linseed Oil.
>
> Here in UK the US military surplussed hundreds of pint-cans of the stuff a
> few years ago. It stays tacky for a while but eventually dries to a good,
> non-sticky finish and as far as I know, it doesn't have any noxious additives.
>
> Highly recommended for spade and axe shafts.
>
> Ken
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