Maple is preferred because of its tight closed grain. Oak has more of an
open pore grain that can collect food.
Mineral Spirits for a finish? I don't think so... Maybe Mineral Oil.

"D. J. Dorn" wrote in message
...
I know that Maple is the preferred wood but why? I have an abundance of
Oak, is there any reason that I can't use that. For finishing, I realize
that Mineral Sprits is the only proper finish as it's meant to come in
contact with food, but I don't want to use Maple unless I have to.

Don