Finishing a whistle

[Preacher2nc]

hey all,

I am trying my hand at making wooden whistles. After much trial and error, I finally made one that works!! My question is on the finish, especially the mouth piece. The finish would need to accomplish two things... moisture control and safety. Since this is going to be in someone's mouth, I don't want a finish that would be poisonous. I have some butcher block finish, but not sure if that is best. Thought about just plain paraffin wax, but wasn't sure. Any thoughts.

These are not twig whistles, but are made of various hardwoods so I want something that will make them look nice too....if that is not asking too much.

mark

[AlArchie]

Hmmmm. I'd think a good grade poly finish would be safe enough.

A ways back I had a wooden whistle, but it wooden whistle.
So I bought a steel whistle, but it steel wooden whistle.
Then I got a tin whistle.......NOW I tin whistle!

sorry 'bout that...couldn't resist.

Al

[wildhare]

Mark, I have a book on making whistles outside in my studio. I will go see if it has any recommendations. How about some pictures?
Wanda

[Preacher2nc]

I am sitting here in front of my computer and no camera. I will try to get some photos loaded soon.

???? so a poly finish is non toxic once it dries?

[AlArchie]

As long as it's not chewed and eaten...otherwise poly is pretty impervious. also if it's applied lightly it only acts as a sealer, and has very little material left on the surface. Geneally, fully cured poly is conidered inert and there is no osha control for carcinogens.

I've seen those wooden train whistles and if I remember correctly there is NO finish on them. Here's a site that sells them...maybe you could email them and ask about finish, or lack of it.

Toys*|*Toys from Yesteryear*|*Old-Time Train Whistle - Lehmans.com=

Al

[wildhare]

I use Ceramacoat Varnish which is a water based Poly on my wood pendants.

I will grab another cup or two of coffee before I go out to the studio and will let you know if the book on making whistles recommends anything.
Wanda

[wildhare]

Mark,I finally found the book. In the book "Carving Christmas Whistle Ornaments" by Kelley Stadelman, she shows Deft semi gloss spray wood finish being used on the whistles.
She recommends a light spray after painting has dried thoroughly. Apply antique finish, wipe off. Let it dry completely and apply a light finish again.

I guess they are more for show than blow. I am not sure I'd want laquer or varnish in my mouth.
Just my opinion. The Ceramacoat is not hazardous in the state of California. That is why I use it for next to skin items. Everything else I found had the California warning.
Wanda

[Kadiddle]

I make wooden "native style" flutes with a shellac finish. You can check the MSDS for further info. Good for rubbing out also,leaves that wet look.

Kadiddle