Best finish for drinking vessel?

[PAC]

Hi guys,

I've would like to turn a goblet that will be used as a drinking vessel. I already have some beech and sycamore for the job but I was wondering about water resistant/food safe finishes. I was thinking about some sort of lacquer but I'm not sure about the need for sanding sealer and the difference between cellulose and melamine lacquers. :?

Also, are more toxic timbers, like yew, safe to use for goblets when covered with a few layers of lacquer?

 

[Bodrighy]

Don't use yew, iroko, elder, laburnum etc for drinking vessels. Also avoid any spalted woods. Some people are sensitive to walnut apparently as well. In fact you are better off sticking to beech or sycamore. The best way to fiish is either the traditional way with pure beeswax, put a lump into the goblet and heat with a hair dryer until it melts and let it soak intio the wood, especially any end grain. Alternatively put a good few layers of melamine on it letting it dry thoroughly and cut back between coats. If it is being used for red wine chances are it may well stain whateber coating you put on it. Advise the users to swill out after use in warm soapy water but not put into hot water or dishwasher.

pete

 

[PAC]

Brilliant, thanks for the advice Pete.