Shopsmith Forums

we had to cut down a large oak tree (it was raising the deck of pool) i had a couple of cross cut pieces that i want to dress up and hang on the fence & one really nice one for the inside -- i think i can smooth & make the a cosistent thickness ---but i don't know how to best finish them----
suggestions are appreciated

I'm not sure what finish will be best, and you do have a variable with the wood drying out on you at the same time.

All I'll suggest is that while I like water-based polyurethane for a lack of odor, I don't like it for exposed end-grains. It can make a cloudy look on end-grain. Most any shellac or oil-based varnish makes a nicer look when the end-grain is in view.