Help With choosing a type of wood

[upsman]

I have a person that need 100 boards that a casserole dish will set on. (the dishes will be hot) Around 8" x 12", she would like wood not plastic, carving in logo and lettering, she wants to give them away for free. Any idea on what kind of wood i should use and thickness? And any i should stay away from! Also what kind of finish should i use or not use if any? Any help greatly appreciated. John

[knight_toolworks]

1/2" to 3/4" is fine. most woods would be fine. it's not like the pans would be super hot. but I would stick with hardwoods. purpleheart works great with heat.
I would just oil them I think.

[wberminio]

I agree with Steve.Any wood would be fine.It will depend on color and/or price .

I would use an oil finish.Minwax/or any Danish Oil finish.An oil finish will support any hot plate.
You also seal them with thinned shellac and coat
them with paste wax.Then maintenance will be an occasional recoat.After you select your wood,test a few pieces.

Erminio

[myxpykalix]

You may want to take the effort to make multi strip woods so it could double as a cutting board

[knight_toolworks]

no wax or shellac with heat.
the cutting board is a good idea but would add a huge amount of time to the job I bet.

[myxpykalix]

maybe not do the multi species glue up (thats where the time is) but you could cut it in a design to accomodate both maybe.

[beacon14]

Maple is a good hard and available choice with tight, non-porous grain compared to many other woods - it's used often for cutting boards for that reason. Also carves well with a sharp bit.

I agree wax and shellac will melt from the heat. I'd consider unfinished if the client will approve it. Certainly the least expensive and most trouble free option.

[wberminio]

My mistake-Dave and the rest are right-
Wax and shellac are not the best choice when exposed to heat and moisture.I was thinking of a simple,easy finish.I've had a few clients ask for a wax finish on their solid wood tables.I always seal with shellac and coat with Butchers or Briwax.

Thanks for picking that out

Use an oil finish or unfinished for this application

Erminio

[harryball]

Check out Alder, also known as Scottish Mahogany.

/RB

[upsman]

Thanks for the help. I will be talking with her some time today. Will let you know what we come up with.

Again thank you to all,
John