Hardware Podcasts

STL326: No Finish? No Problem!

Shop Talk Live · 4 Oct 2024 · 1h 10m

What this episode covers

Seri Robinson, a wood scientist and author known as Dr. Spalting, explains why unfinished wood is the safest material for food contact, debunking the need for mineral oil or wax on cutting boards. She details how wood's hygroscopic nature draws bacteria down into its cellular structure where they die, contrasting this with the bacterial harboring risks of finishes and glue lines in end-grain boards. Robinson also discusses the toxicity of wood extractives, the importance of PPE against wood dust, and the science behind spalting.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Finewoodworking, Titbond
Materials
Walnut, Cedar, Camphor, White Oak, Red Oak
Also
Seri Robinson, Dr. Spalting, Zebrafish

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