cutting board

BLO is perfectly safe to use, as is most any finish, once it is completly dry. How long that take depends on weather conditions where you are. A safe guess is at least 2 weeks. Best way to apply is to flood it on, let it sit for about 10 – 15 minutes. Re-wet any area that looks dry during this time, then wipe completely dry and let it sit. Re-coat whenever it starts looking dry.

One thing to consider; oil is oil. Mineral oil may give nearly the same “pop” as blo, and since it can be drunk straight from the bottle (be VERY close to a working, available toilet if you do this), and never reaLly dries, you have les waiting time before use. Check both materials on a piece of scrap from the board and see for yourself which you like best. Don’t buy baby oil; make certain it is unscented.

Steve

-- Steve in KY. 44 years so far with my lovely bride. Think I'll keep her.

I would be concerned about food picking up a taste or particles from the BLO during cutting. I think the advice above about mineral oil giving similar visual results to BLO is good. If you have a scrap of the wood used try the mineral oil first.
Another good point in favor of the mineral oil is that you can “touch up” the cutting board at any time bu just wiping on another coat or two of the mineral oil. It will get worn away through use and cleaning so being able to re new the finish so easily is a factor as well.

-- Tom Hintz, www.newwoodworker.com

I just saw a review on General Finishes: Salad Bowl Finish. You might look into this. HERE.

Mineral oil works great and I find that gift recipients like the idea that they can refresh the look themselves with mineral oil.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/15910 BLO cutting board….Never again !!

BLO takes forever to dry and the stink never seems to leave the board…or your hands !
I’ve had the best luck using Mineral Oil regarding grain pop , ease of use , NO SMELL at all : ) and my friends / customers can pick up MO at any drug or grocery store and reapply it themselves at will : )

-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!