Calling Ash Experts - Black Lines??

[Steve in VA]

This bowl is from a rough turned bowl I got from @Jonkou Thanks again John!

John and others, have you ever experienced these black lines or streaks in ash? After finish turning the bowl, I started noticing them but assumed they would sand out. I sanded up to 400, then back down to 180. Still had the streaks, so I backed down to 120 and even power sanded a bit in the spots where the streaks are. This is now sanded entirely back up to 240, but I'm not sure if there is a way to get rid of them or if it's just the nature of ash.

Second question for Ash Lovers: What's your food safe finish of choice?

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[Jonkou]

Came out nice. Checked a few sealed umeke/hollow form blanks from the same log and can see similar lines so it’s in the wood. Most finishes are food safe when thoroughly cured, if in doubt read the Safety Data Sheet for the product. Mahoney‘s utility finish is nice on a utility bowl that gets used regularly, wipe on wipe off excess and repeat as needed, the more it’s used and refreshed the better it looks.

 

[Karl_TN]

Try wiping on some lemon juice and/or setting the bowl out in direct sun light to bleach the dark lines. Just know the lemon juice may cause a little yellowing that the sun rays should help clear up.

As far as finishing, Ash is a porous wood so use a finish that seals up the pores. I personally have good luck with wicking grade low odor Parfix 3408 CA glue that I buy from demonstrator Mark Sillay.

 

[Mr. Peet]

Looks a bit like 'Green ash'. I've seen that in a lot of emerald ash borer wood of late. Assume clogging of the pores. I'll try to grab some and get a better look next time I see it.

 

[Steve in VA]

Thanks everyone, and I appreciate you @Jonkou for taking the time to look at other pieces from the same log! This was driving me nuts!!