Joseph Sullivan writes:

> The problem with the use of oils to stabilize wood is that they don't
> do it. What oils actually do, for a short period of time, is to add
> bulk to the cells of desiccated material. However, the oils tend over
> time to weaken the wood, and to chemically react to things present in
> the wood (such as tannins) and to outside influences (such as air
> pollutants and who knows what that comes in contact with the wood).
> These reactions can under some circumstances be very bad for the
> wood. It is a question of longevity. Oil today may help today, but
> may assure that the tool does not last another full generation. Does
> one care?

and

> Indeed. However, the treatments I mentioned are quite a bit different
> from the stuff the boat guys use.

I daresay it is a terrible pity that John Leather, Fellow of the Royal
Institution of Naval Architects, member of the Society for Nautical
Research and author of the book that launched, around these parts at
least, a thousand? small boats, did not have the benefit of the theology
founding the above proclamation in all its binding infallibility.

In his "Clinker Boatbuilding" of 1973 he clearly badly misguides himself
and his readers and sends men down to the sea in death-trap dinghies
when he heretically states:

"With all possible waste and dust removed ........ the boat may be given
a preservative coating. Traditionally, this was a coat of linseed oil
and paraffin (kerosene), mixed in proportions of two of paraffin to one
of oil. This can be brushed on liberally and will soak well into most
timbers forming effective and cheap preservative."

There must be a first class miracle or two still in prolonged operation,
however, or some form of naval exorcism has been undertaken, as some
clinker dinghies, built after John Leather's style in the eighties, are
still furnishing enjoyment to their owners who sail them.

Regards from Brisbane,

John Manners

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