wood for mash paddle

[forstmeister]

I know that in general, mahogany is more rich in oils than most woods - that's part of why it's so dense and heavy. It also creates a sawdust that is so fine (particularly with power sanders) that breathing protection is highly recommended - the particles can easily be inhaled and can be deposited in the lungs. It is usually used as a detailing trim material or for inlays due to its beautiful colour.

I've heard that the pore structure allows more of it to be extracted (if you look at the end grain of a diagonal cross-section of mahogany, you'll see tiny holes all through it) - although I think the oils take a fair amount of heat to liquify.

Personally, I'd do a little google-searching on industrial or culinary uses of mahogany before putting it to use in contact with my beer.....however, I have a e-Brew system in planning that will be sheathed in wood for aesthetics/insulation and I'm currently debating between African mahogany, teak, and kukui....

Ring-porour vs diffuse porous is the key here. Oaks are strongky ring-porous and the cells will start to break down faster than sugar maple. Birch is good too. Basically anything that would be used for a countertop typically will work. My paddle is from sugar maple.

 

[beljica]

Oak 2x2

 

[Brickout]

I decided to bring the mahogany back and just go with maple.

 

[BrewDoc22]

I do a lot of woodworking and have lots of scraps lying around the shop. I used this piece of quartersawn white oak to make my mash paddle last night. I am brewing my first all grain beer tomorrow. I'll try to attach a pic of the paddle to this post.

Thanks,

Fred

Go Hawks!

 

[brandonhagen1]

thanks to all that replied gave me some great ideas:rockin:

 

[LoneTreeFarms]

I do a lot of woodworking and have lots of scraps lying around the shop. I used this piece of quartersawn white oak to make my mash paddle last night. I am brewing my first all grain beer tomorrow. I'll try to attach a pic of the paddle to this post.

Thanks,

Fred

even as an iowa state fan i can appreciate this one! nice work wfred!

 

[Spartan1979]

I made mine from cherry.

 

[patthebrewer]

Def. go with woods common in the food industry, stay away from oily woods or nut wood (allergies in some people), in my humble opinion......Maple is the best