I'm building some assorted bookcases (some out of pine, some out of maple-veneered plywood with a maple face frame), and I'm undecided on a finish. My preference is for something that can be applied by hand (I don't have a sprayer), relatively non-toxic during application, and low-VOC once finished. I've been considering a linseed oil finish (I have some of the Tried & True products on hand), shellac, or a soap finish (à la Christopher Schwarz). Does anyone have a preferred bookcase finish?