On 10/14/2014 9:04 AM, Christopher Dunn wrote:
> I'd like to soak some wooden tools I'm making in linseed oil. I was
> reading "Spons on Carpentry and Joinery" and it says:
>
> "The wooden parts of tools, such as the stocks of planes and handles
> or chisels, are often made to have a nice appearance by French
> polishing; but this adds nothing to their durability. A much better
> plan is to let them soak in linseed oil for a week, and rub them with
> a cloth for a few minutes every day for a week or two. This produces a
> beautiful surface, and at the same time exerts a solidifying and
> preservative action on the wood"
>
> Bob Flexner's book "Understanding wood finishing" says:
>
> "You can put a straight grained piece of wood into a jar containing a
> half-inch of oil finish and the finish will eventually work its way up
> through the wood and come out the top. Only if the finish cures hard
> in the wood, preventing further penetration, or if it hardens in the
> jar, or if it evaporates will the penetration be stopped."
>

Can't answer your question. But IIIRC, we have been told that BLO 
promotes fungal growth over the long term, so you might want to 
reconsider soaking your tools in it. Can't seem to locate the source of 
that info just now.
For my part, I have soaked the throats of old woodies a few times, and 
it closed up visible splits. These tools were neither collectible nor of 
my own make so any downside is minimal, and I've not noticed any sign of 
fungus in them.

FWIW
Don