I want to carve a wooden mug and heard that alder wood is a great choice. I'm curious if it's actually safe for food use and if it's suitable for drinks as well. Also, I'd love any tips you have about the carving process!
2 Answers
Alder wood can cause some irritation like skin or eye sensitivity, so just be cautious while working with it. As for using it for a mug, it's quite soft and can absorb moisture easily, which might lead to some issues if you don’t waterproof it properly. You might want to check out advice about other wood types that are better suited for carving mugs. Here's a link to a good resource on this topic: [Best Wood for Cups](https://www.woodenearth.com/blogs/wooden-blog/best-wood-to-make-a-cup). Just make sure to treat it right for food use!
Thanks for the info! Which wood would you recommend for a beginner like me?
Alder wood is good for starting with carvings, but you might want to look into woods like maple or cherry for something stronger and better for food contact. If you’re serious about the mug, remember to season the wood properly before you carve it, or look for dried wood that’s ready to go. Using seasoned wood means you're less likely to have issues with warping later on.
I think the toxicity concerns are more relevant when you're carving it rather than after your mug is finished. Just make sure you sand it really well before using it!