No responses in 3 weeks? What can we do to get more people more involved in this site? I think it's a shame this site is here and so few participate. I would still like to know about food safe finishes. Anyone?

Dennis, I’m sorry it took so long for a reply. I was hoping someone else would chime in and then I forgot about replying.

  As you may know just about any finish is food safe once it has cured. With that being said, varnishes, lacquers, shellacs are all film forming finishes which penetrate a little but mainly lay on the surface. For cutting boards , salad bowls, wooden utensils, I would not use them on because with use they will flake off and be troublesome to repair. I would use a drying oil finish such as Mahoney walnut oil, Odies oil, T.Y. Fine finish oil which is pure flax seed oil based, or pure Tung oil . The Real milk paint company sells some beeswax based finishes which are excellent. 
  You can also make your own if you are so inclined. I have used the following recipe with good results: 

In a double boiler or a used crock pot ( strongly recommend not using your wife’s)  combine the following:

1/4 lb. or 4.2oz. of pure beeswax 

12 oz. by volume of T.Y. Oil or pure flax seed oil

1oz. or 4TBS. of carnuba wax flakes ( The Real Milk Paint Co.)

heat slowly until everything melts stir it gently and pour into a suitable container. Once it has hardened if you want it creamier remelt it and add more flax seed oil. Do not leave a cooking pot unattended for obvious reasons.

hope this helps.

Mike

Charles,

sorry I meant to that in my post. It’s T.Y. Fine Furniture company. They are located at 4555 N. High st. in Columbus. Search T.Y. Fine Furniture and their website should come up. It’s best to call the store and make sure they have it in stock before you make the trip. They do sell it online but if I recall it could take 2- weeks.

Thanks for the article by Dr. Robinson. Very interesting.