Oil choice for finishing garden tools?

[Aaron Buys]

I'm in the final stages of finishing some garden tools as a Christmas gift. The handles are purpleheart and I have tung, walnut, and boiled linseed oil finishes available. One of Raffan's books I have remarks that tung oil penetrates well and creates a hard finish once dry so I am leaning towards that but I was curious if any of you had any recommendations. Also, how fine a grit would you recommend I sand to before applying the oil?

Thanks!

[tom martin]

Aaron,
I would think any of those oils would work. I use teak oil on outside stuff, but need to recoat evry year or so. Those pieces are in the elements every day. Personally I like a grip on my tools so I would go with a tool surface or 100 grit sandpaper.

[Ken Hill]

Tung or Antique Oil would be my choice. Those oils I use alot on my game calls and they are exposed to some serious elements and hold up well.

[Greg Just]

Seeing these are Christmas presents, you might consider something other than an oil as they might not dry. In that case an exterior poly might be my choice. Happy Holidays!

[Jim Burr]

Years ago when I made canoe paddles, BLO was the standard for the handles. If you think about it...your hand is on there...sometimes all day and it better be soft!!!