On Sat, 06 Aug 2011 12:53:18 -0230, Keith
wrote:

2) It was actually from a tree trunk and yes it was to be an end-grain
bowl. I was really pleased with it (for a day :O( )and then that split
happened.

Have you considered Polyethylene Glycol?

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=686