I'd like to make a cutting board for a friend who's getting married soon. Her fiance is allergic to all nuts. What kind of oil can be used on a cutting board in a case like this? Does the stuff general calls "salad bowl finish" have nut oils? Also, would he also be likely to have a reaction to a wood from a nut bearing tree such as pecan, hicory or walnut if he's allergic to nuts? I just don't want to give them a gift that will make him sick. I looked at the MSDS for the general finish, but don't see nut oils mentioned in the ingredients.
Interesting question. I am fairly certain your finishing oils will be fine.
As far as the wood goes, walnut would be the one i would be most concerned with. The dust seems to be a little more prone to causing an allergic reaction.
If he has a nut allergy, then don't use ANYTHING related to nuts. No oils, no wood, no nothing. I worked with a guy that had a nut allergy. If someone made Hazelnut COFFEE, he couldn't be in the building. Just the airborne stuff in the vapors would cause a reaction. Now I'm sure there are various levels of sensitivity as with any allergy, but don't take a chance. Avoid anything related to nuts.
You can safely and easily use mineral oil on the cutting board. It's very plain. It ain't fancy. But it's also very safe.
I agree with Charlie on the mineral oil. Thats what I use on all of my cutting boards. I sometimes add bees wax to mine but it works well without. I'm also curious about the wood. My son's girlfriend is allergic to tree nuts and I've often wondered about walnut cutting boards.
Def stick to mineral oil (like a dollar a target, used for constipation) and maybe melt in some beeswax
I make my mix by putting a little bit if beeswax (2oz) melted with mineral oil (80oz). I use a $6 crock pot to melt it together. That ratio lets it stay liquidy and is usable withou heating. Seems to sink real deep into the board vs a much higher wax content.
I make a bunch and bottle it with plastic bottle from I think sks bottles (google it, should come up) its a nice touch when given with the board
Don't use vegetable oil; it will become rancid on you. Mineral oil is ok but is messy. You need to mix was with it and the wax must natural and petroleum free. I don't like these solutions so turn to the premixed products. There are several oil and wax finishes designed for cutting board finishes. They are easy to apply, durable and leave a fine finish that is easily restored with reapplication. Look at Rockler, and other woodworking supply sources, they will have what you need.
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