homemade mash paddle

[trev5501]

I just recently craved a mash paddle out of a piece of solid maple. I have noticed that some homebrewers treat the surface their mash paddles whereas others don't fearing that the oil or finish may leach into the mash. I have a bottle of pure 100% tung oil that I was going to use but now I'm not so sure. Any comments?

 

[ghack]

I would leave it unfinished. Let it take on a patina. If you want to finish it, here is a good run down of the options and the pros/cons.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=26893

I've used the mineral oil/bees wax mix from the end of the article on cutting boards and was pretty happy with it.

 

[Finster]

Ive always used mineral oil on all my wooden utensils, including my home made mash paddle with no ill effects. It helps to seal the wood and keep food particles from getting in and going rancid.

 

[Spreadhead]

How about a pic?

 

[Hex]

I would definitely not use Tung Oil, there are varnishes and solvents not intended for food use. You might want to look into cutting block oil. I'd leave it au naturel.