Using mahogany wood for a mash paddle.

[msa8967]

My buddy gave me 5 feet of mahogany wood to use to make a mash paddle as a thank you for sharing my beer. I have read that most paddles are made from either maple or some type of oak. Can I still use mahogany wood and not have it affect the beer?

 

[passedpawn]

I wouldn't worry about the type of wood you use. I made mine out of teak.

 

[Rockn_M]

As long as it doesn't have any stains or sealers it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[msa8967]

It is not treated with anything and I doubt I will add any oil treatment to the wood. I have read on the forum that salad oils and othr food grade oils are really not needed for mash paddles but I could be wrong.

 

[Rockn_M]

Keep it dry when not in use and it'll last forever.

 

[msa8967]

How long did each of you make your mash paddles? 36 inchs seems a bit long .

 

[SpeedYellow]

Mahogany has a lot of deep pores in it, so it wouldn't be my choice for a mash paddle. I used it for my keezer collar and it was a pain. You need to use a filler or else the pores just soak up the varnish and it looks bad since you have all these little pits everywhere. So I'd imagine those same pores would soak up mash liquid too.

 

[tracyk]

I have used red oak on mine which has a lot of open pores, but I do not have any problems. Just rinse it off real good when you are done. Remember your wort is going to get boiled anyways. I did make 2 different sizes though, one for 5 gallons and another for 10+ gallons. For my 5 gallon I made is 24" and for the 10+ gallon I made is 36".

 

[passedpawn]

How long did each of you make your mash paddles? 36 inchs seems a bit long .

Sorry, on the road now. I made it fairly long. I have keggles, so I formed the head of the paddle to fit nicely inside my keggle MT. They are long because I wanted to stand upright while stirring. My system is electric, so everything sits on the ground. I'd say it's closer to 4'.