Skid finish

[Uncle Dave]

Have a question.  I'm finishing the work on the skid for my mortar, and I'm impressed enough by the end grain in the oak that I don't think I want to stain it.  Back in the day on the farm, my dad liked to finish weather-exposed wood with a coat of hand-rubbed linseed oil.  It gives a nice finish, as the firsh shotgun I was ever given was finished with the same technique.

Question is, would this finish be suitable for the skid on my golf ball mortar?

[GGaskill]

Since I doubt your mortar is going to be stored in the weather, it should be adequate.  However, linseed oil is not particularly effective at keeping moisture out of the wood.  I would put on several coats if you are looking for a built up finish, especially on the end grain surfaces as it will deeply penetrate them.

[Uncle Dave]

Thanks for the input.  That's what I was thinking.  The finish that I am speaking of is one where you don't just coat the wood, you vigorously rub liberal amounts of oil into the wood, and after the wood and oil warm via friction, it produces a wonderful finish.

Feeling like it's Christmas Eve!

[Zulu]

While rubbed linseed oil will look good, It will really darken to the point of turning black if left in the weather.  That can be avoided by then coating with a few coats of Polyurethene.  I use claer satin.  Its subtle and not high gloss.
Zulu 

[gulfcoastblackpowder]

Thin coats works the best, and mixing it with tung oil or varnish would add more protection, though I haven't mixed it with anything myself.  I do put a coat of wax on after the last coat of oil dries, to help with moisture resistance.

[Uncle Dave]

So...

the next question.

Best bet just to use 3 thin coats of clear poly?

[Uncle Dave]

While rubbed linseed oil will look good, It will really darken to the point of turning black if left in the weather.  That can be avoided by then coating with a few coats of Polyurethene.  I use claer satin.  Its subtle and not high gloss.
Zulu  

Come to think of it, the tongues on the horse drawn equipment on the farm were treated with linseed, and they did turn dark over time.  

Time to think this over.

[GGaskill]

Olive drab paint.   

[dan610324]

dont steal DD:s comments   

[Double D]

Since the pattern of the base he has made replicates the 1844 10 inch seacoast mortar, it should be painted black like cast iron on themortar.