Wood question

[Tankerwolf]

Hey all. I recently received some oak hardwood flooring from my grandparents house that my dad found in the basement. It's over 70 years old and looks pretty good. I am going to use it for some handles but never really worked with non-stabilized wood. I think I got most of the info I need but one more question: Do I need to let it settle in it's new environment before cutting to make handles? It's coming from dry Chicago to humid GA and I'm wondering if there is going to be a tad bit of swelling? Any one know? Thanks.

 

[Willie71]

Let it sit for 30 days to be on the safe side.

 

[Tankerwolf]

Yeah I was thinking it might need a transition period.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Oak has large pores. I did one with an oak handle and filled the pores.
Basically you handsand it with oil (that hardens) I used the oil with 280 and 400 if I remember right, handsanded up to 2500 after that.
The oil and dust form a slurry that filles the pores. It gives a beautifull look and finishes smooth.

 

[phillipsted]

Oak has large pores. I did one with an oak handle and filled the pores.
Basically you handsand it with oil (that hardens) I used the oil with 280 and 400 if I remember right, handsanded up to 2500 after that.
The oil and dust form a slurry that filles the pores. It gives a beautifull look and finishes smooth.

+1. This technique has worked for me every time I use oak or other porous wood. I recommend letting the scales cure for a couple of days between sanding to let the oil harden in the pores.

TedP