Thread: Coffee cup coating

But, but, but...

The wastage!

Just don't use any Taxus sp eg Yew for a cup, especially if uncoated[/QUOTE]
Thought about making the mother in law a Yew Kuksa

Maybe you could try making one out of American White Oak as an experiment. They use it for boiling hides in during the tanning process.
Rgds,
Crocy.

Thanks Tony but while I'm regularly annoyed by my mother-in-law I don't think I'll give that a go...

I don't think...

And Croc, what are you saying about my coffee? That it would tan leather? I know I like strong coffee but it's not that strong.

But seriously...

I'm going to have to do some experimentation.

Thanks fellers.

Originally Posted by Redbeard

And Croc, what are you saying about my coffee? That it would tan leather? I know I like strong coffee but it's not that strong.

But seriously...

I'm going to have to do some experimentation.

Thanks fellers.

Cast your mind back to medieval England before pottery took off, they used to eat and drink off wooden plates and mugs. I'd give it a go.
Rgds,
Crocy.

Originally Posted by Old Croc

Cast your mind back to medieval England before pottery took off, they used to eat and drink off wooden plates and mugs. I'd give it a go.
Rgds,
Crocy.

That's what I'm thinking. Need to find a nice stick of plain, non-resinous wood and give it a go. What can I lose?

Originally Posted by Redbeard

That's what I'm thinking. Need to find a nice stick of plain, non-resinous wood and give it a go. What can I lose?

I’d guess that the choice of timber and even the selection of the right piece of wood will be as important as the finish used.

The only wood mugs I've ever seen are ones that have had commercially made metal/glass sleeves inserted into them.

This instantly tell me that many have tried and failed and it's not hard to fathom why.

The issue with coatings that will work in this kind of application are not flexible enough to withstand the expansion/contraction the mug will experience over its life and will end up either separating itself from the wood or crack.

Wood was used for plates and cups in olden times as Old Croc mentioned. That said I think your best bet would be no coating at all like wooden spoons. It would take on a weathered look. Would have to be hand washed as the dishwasher makes our wooden spoons come out furry. Does not take long to turn a cup so worth a try.
Regards
John

PS Bit of useless info on historic wooden cups. When Francis Drake went round cape horn the ships carpenter made beer mugs from the wood of an old Spanish gallows. After they buried the skeletons of course. No mention of what finish was used.

Originally Posted by orraloon

Wood was used for plates and cups in olden times as Old Croc mentioned. That said I think your best bet would be no coating at all like wooden spoons. It would take on a weathered look. Would have to be hand washed as the dishwasher makes our wooden spoons come out furry. Does not take long to turn a cup so worth a try.
Regards
John

Indeed, care to suggest a wood?

This guy still makes bowls, cups and plates the old way in the UK. May be some help. Good watching and reading anyhow.
Q&A with Robin Wood woodturner | Merchant & Makers
Actually he uses some veg oils.
Regards
John

I just made a dozen coffee mugs from clay. A lot of the cups in the old England were clay.

Originally Posted by Pagie

I just made a dozen coffee mugs from clay. A lot of the cups in the old England were clay.

I do understand the benefits of clay but I am not set up for turning clay, one new craft at a time, please...

[emoji2]

Coopers use wood for alcohol. Made from staves and hoops I know but still hold liquid.
Maybe try a cup and seal outside with your choice and "season " the inside with a strong coffee and let sit for a day. See how it goes.
Maybe mango as it is lives in water.?????
Lyle.