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Back in 1989, Mike Mahoney, a professional craftsperson, was using mineral oil to condition the wooden bowls he crafted.

“It was simple to apply the oil. Everyone has the skill to apply mineral oil. The problem was seeing my work as it aged. The bowls would get dry and looked horrible”, Mike recalls.

That’s when he remembered something from his college chemistry class: natural oils could be dehydrated and heat-treated to act like petroleum-based oils, but without the harmful toxic chemicals.

Curious, Mike started experimenting. He found that walnut and soy oils, which are high in a fatty acid called linoleic acid, worked best. This acid helps the oil stay stable over time, and by dehydrating it, the oil would dry faster and soak into the wood, becoming a part of it. Unlike mineral oil, which just evaporates, this oil actually bonds with the wood to protect it for longer periods.

Fast forward 25 years, and Mike’s products are now a go-to for professional craftsmen, homeowners, and even private labeled for many national brands.

To learn more about Mike Mahoney and his woodturning career, including instructional tutorials, visit the Mike Mahoney YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@Bowlmaker60.