Dutch Press Plans

[pilgarlic]

awakephd

Thanks for the press plans,  I have just about  finished making it, I made it from some mahogany that' s been laying around for about 20 years,see attachment I am wondering how to treat the wood ie .wax ,varnish etc,  I am a complete novice at cheese making, and will be attempting to make a manchego this week as soon as the rest of the ingredients arrive , any advice would be much appreciated.

I did send this message yesterday but it didn't go, hope to have better luck with this one
 
pilgarlic

[Danbo]

Very nice press - congratulations! :-)

[qdog1955]

Nice work---very nice press----you might want to consider butcher block oil, it is non toxic---but you will have to rub it down with the oil every once in awhile, but it is real easy to use. And inexpensive.
Qdog

[awakephd]

Wow, beautiful job! I'm glad the plans were helpful.

I have used mineral oil (of the sort you can buy in the drug store) for this sort of project. It is non-toxic, and unlike vegetable oils, will not turn rancid. Let it soak in, wipe off the excess. Renew as needed.

[qdog1955]

You should be aware that there are different grades of mineral oil, some are not food grade---according to the USA government and the European Union-----can you believe those sources?   Don't know----it could just be hype!!  I've used both and I'm still kicking. The butcher block oil has mineral oil in it and some other stuff---so maybe it's not worth the extra money.
Qdog

[ArnaudForestier]

I use tung oil and beeswax, but that's kind of a pain to get rubbed in well.  I get both from Woodcraft.

[awakephd]

Oh, yes, there is all sorts of mineral oil, including the oil I use in my metalworking lathe and mill. Probably don't want to consume those!

You can get mineral oil at the drug store that is intended to be consumed. Not as food ... but used as a laxative. Yes, sounds gross, but as I understand it, it is not something your body reacts to; basically it just, err, lubricates things on through your system.