I recently built the first of two matching nightstands. I am using
Linseed Oil(boiled) as I really like the way it brings out the grain. I
am currently working with red oak and am a little concerned about
number of, and thickness of coats of oil I should apply. New to this
group and have only been building furniture about three years. I have
mostly worked with Pine(bookshelves and small tables) up until last six
months when I was blessed with a pile of rough red oak will attempt my
first piece with a drawer next. It will be the match to the nightstand
on my side of bed I just completed(my wife wanted a drawer). Anyway
would appreciate any feedback.

wrote:

I recently built the first of two matching nightstands. I am using
Linseed Oil(boiled) as I really like the way it brings out the grain. I
am currently working with red oak and am a little concerned about
number of, and thickness of coats of oil I should apply.
snip

Like you, I also like BLO as a finish.

The instructions should be on the can of BLO.

1 part BLO, 2 part Turps.

Apply thin coats with a rag, allow plenty of time between coats.

Red oak, due to its porous nature, is probably going to soak up a lot
of BLO.

Be patient.

When it won't soak up any more and dry, you're doneG.

My guess is at least 5-6 coats.

Don't know where you live, but wouldn't try to apply BLO unless the
ambient temp is at least 60F.

Are you going to wax over the BLO?

Lew

"Lew Hodgett" wrote in message
ink.net...
wrote:
The instructions should be on the can of BLO.

1 part BLO, 2 part Turps.

Apply thin coats with a rag, allow plenty of time between coats.


Note the importance of reducing the viscosity so you don't get the problem
of blowing bubbles with the porous red oak.