Question about mineral oil

[Rosemarie Wood]

Hi guys
I am making a large stand for my new birds' cage. I normaly use tung oil to finish this type of project but that might kill my birds. What do you think about mineral oil? The piece will have compartments to store the bird food etc, so it will not have heavy use.
If not do you have any suggestions? Remember nothing smelly please.
Thank you
Rosemarie

[Rosemarie Wood]

Thanks Phil, I kind of thought it was safe to eat, I appreciate your comments. I'll go get some. :)

Phillip said:

Mineral oil should be safe. I use it on my cutting boards, and the maple butcher block table top that I have. You might want to check with a bird source, though I would be surprised if there is a problem. I have a parrot, and I have used mineral oil on the perch. I think you have more problem if the bird chews on the wood. The smell alone might make him mad, but probably not hurt. Come to think of it, we have sliced fruits for "Capt'n Jack" on a freshly mineral oiled board and there have been no problems. His only complaint was me not slicing fast enough. I have never used mineral oil on drawer joints or veneer surface, so others will have to comment on that. Titebond or Elmer's Carpenters glue does not seem to be bothered by mineral oil.

Hope that helps,
Phil B.

[david almond]

maybe butcher block oil? it is safe to use on countertops on which human food is prepared. if not, there are many different oils which are safe for wood on which food is prepared. unfortunately, i am not too familiar with the needs of birds though

[Rosemarie Wood]

Sorry I took so long to answer (holidays ya know) Thanks I didn't know there was such a thing as butcher block oil.
I will look into that since I didn't start the project yet but I am ready now.
Thank you
Rosemarie

david almond said:

maybe butcher block oil? it is safe to use on countertops on which human food is prepared. if not, there are many different oils which are safe for wood on which food is prepared. unfortunately, i am not too familiar with the needs of birds though

[Rosemarie Wood]

Thanks that is fine, the birds are not really going to eat off it anyway. I don't know why I am so worried.:)

Phillip said:

I had a few Boos type (that is a brand) butcher block table tops ( 3' x 6' ) for food service. Butcher block oil is fine, but more expensive. Butcher block oil has mineral oil as it's base ingredient, but adds some body agents to thicken, also most types do not change the wood color and absorb a little faster. Not major changes, but big difference in price. Most restaurants and bakeries use mineral oil, unquestionably safe for humans.