Strange. My searches found no topics on this.
I've a myriad of old/used tools from 50 years to 7 years old and many instances of dried out exposed wood handles. My research showed boiled linseed as an old method to recondition and protect but it has toxic byproducts embedded; that do not evaporate. Ok for me maybe at those level, but I'd not want a small child playing with it. [img]/forums/images/icons/confused.gif[/img]
Polymerized linseed avoids this problem but is not readily available. Its hard to believe there isn't some easy access approach to this that doesn't permanently block the natural properties of the wood; i.e. poly sealing.
I'm reluctant to just seal as they are mostly shrunken and exposed grain condition. I could replace some of them asuninteresting and what the heck, others would require custom work (I don't do wood crafting) and besides <font color="orange"> there is something to retaining the original handiwork of craftsmen. </font color>
Any ideas on how to recondition, and if separate, protecting? These are all stored either in barns or damp sheds; and can be used in all kinds of weather conditions.
tia [thanks in advance]