Introduction
Linseed oil finishes have been around for centuries. Their chemical properties and application methods have been well documented. However, I wanted to see for myself just how effective they can be. Continuing on from my previous article I’ll test the water resistance of boiled linseed oil wood finishes. Specifically relating to axe and tool handles.
Setup
For this experiment, I cut two nearly identical pieces of wood. Both were cut from hickory axe handles. The first piece was left untreated. The second piece was soaked in boiled linseed oil for a week. Then coated daily for a week and left to cure for another two weeks.
The added oil can be seen in the initial weight difference of the pieces.
Then both pieces were soaked in room temperature water for varying amounts of time period and weighed to determine water absorption.
Results
Initial Weight Day 1 Day 7 Day 14
Untreated 74g 84g 96g 104g
Treated 80g 84g 102g 108g
Conclusion
The result is that water passes through linseed oil finishes quite easily. As the results show the wood still takes in a large amount of water, although slightly less than untreated wood, with only brief exposure. 5% by weight after only a day. With long term exposure being detrimental.
Along with only minor water resistance, linseed oil finishes can attract mildew and provide no protection from UV damage.
In the end, boiled linseed oil provides some dimensional stability with moisture changes but provides very little protection.
Axe handles inevitably break. Whether through use, abuse, overstrikes, run out, etc. My suggestion would be to not sweat the little stuff and enjoy actually using your tools.
Further Reading
Chemistry of Weathering and Protection
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