# STL326: No Finish? No Problem!

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2024-10-04
- Length: 1h 10m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl326-no-finish-no-problem

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem#t=6) Introduction: Seri Robinson and Wood Science
- [5:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem#t=347) The Science of Spalting and Pigments
- [15:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem#t=954) Wood Toxicity and Extractives
- [22:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem#t=1351) Shop Safety and PPE for Wood Dust
- [41:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem#t=2509) Why Unfinished Wood is Best for Food Contact
- [48:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem#t=2885) Bacteria, Glue Lines, and Cutting Board Myths
- [1:00:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem#t=3611) Wood Floor Cleaners and Industry Critique

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Seri Robinson (other)
- Dr. Spalting (other)
- Walnut (material)
- Cedar (material)
- Camphor (material)
- White Oak (material)
- Red Oak (material)
- Zebrafish (other)
- Finewoodworking (company)
- Titbond (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 163: Live Edge Bowling  Ball](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-04-06-episode-163-live-edge-bowling-ball) (Making It)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2024-10-04-stl326-no-finish-no-problem. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Shop Talk Live.