Linseed Oil

[nablaine]

I recently built the first of two matching nightstands. I am using Linseed Oil(boiled) as I really like the way it brings out the grain. I am currently working with red oak and am a little concerned about number of, and thickness of coats of oil I should apply. New to this group and have only been building furniture about three years. I have mostly worked with Pine(bookshelves and small tables) up until last six months when I was blessed with a pile of rough red oak will attempt my first piece with a drawer next. It will be the match to the nightstand on my side of bed I just completed(my wife wanted a drawer). Anyway would appreciate any feedback.

[Lew Hodgett]

Like you, I also like BLO as a finish.

The instructions should be on the can of BLO.

1 part BLO, 2 part Turps.

Apply thin coats with a rag, allow plenty of time between coats.

Red oak, due to its porous nature, is probably going to soak up a lot of BLO.

Be patient.

When it won't soak up any more and dry, you're done.

My guess is at least 5-6 coats.

Don't know where you live, but wouldn't try to apply BLO unless the ambient temp is at least 60F.

Are you going to wax over the BLO?

Lew

[George]

Note the importance of reducing the viscosity so you don't get the problem of blowing bubbles with the porous red oak.