Mahogany Pestle and mortar finishing advice

[bob5542001]

Good afternoon everyone, I am currently making a Pestle out of mahogany and I was wondering what the best finishing technique would be. I was thinking about burnishing the mortar and then sealing with some olive oil? What are people’s thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Jimi

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

If you are going to be using it with foodstuffs then olive oil would be my choice.

 

[paulm]

Olive oil can go sticky and attract dust and stuff, it doesn't fully dry.

Walnut oil does fully dry, there may be some others too but I forget.

I use Chestnut's food safe oil or you could use mineral oil/liquid paraffin from the chemist or agricultural dealer (used for horses hooves too I believe !).

Cheers, Paul

 

[Harbo]

Ikea sell mineral oil.

Rod

 

[promhandicam]

If you are actually going to use it then don't seal it with anything - just use it as it is and wash it out with warm water after use allowing it to air dry.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

The pounding my granite pestle and mortar gets, I can't really see much point in a wooden set. If you ground anything with much smell or taste, surely it would taint?