Hi Matt.
For the Finish, I think tht the guys have covered the subject quite well, I personally use Liberon Finishing oil rubbed down between coats 3 to 4 for a really good protection, 5 to 6 for a high grade piece that will shine like a mirror when presented to the customer.
As for the small splits inthe wood – get them filled, the plits are a great place for bacteria to live and breed. I would flush them out (on a used cutting board) with bleach, then wash the joints with clean watwer, let them dry. Then fill them with an epoxy and sanding dust mix (to match the wood being filled) to colour the epoxy. This works for me with no problems over the years
-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)
