cider press build advice please

[lord groan]

I'm trying to put a cider press together, building work is virtually complete but now I'm wondering what to do about treating the wood. I've used four 3" square birch posts with a thick ply base surrounding a pulp basket of oak and birch staves. I'm reluctant to leave it in its clean sanded state cos it'll just get sticky and manky but don't know what to use, I have water based varnish and polyurethane varnish, any thoughts?

[steambrew]

As someone who worked in the cider industry for some 40 years we treated all new wood with vegetable oil I have no knowledge of modern products but apples will pick up any taints which will lead to spoilage hope this helps

[Pinto]

I was going to suggest an oil finish, but choose one that's food safe and apply it with plenty of time to absorb/dry first. Most of the food safe ones aren't persistant either and require re-application at least once a year, maybe more if your press is in frequent use...

Walnut oil and RAW (important ! RAW) linseed oil are ok for use, and if you are prepared to put more effort in, multiple coats of Tung oil (but the finish is more durable and water repellent). I use Walnut oil for my Oak chopping boards as it's pretty easy to get hold of.

I think you'll also find Shellac works too.