Rob wrote:
> do you use spar varnish on the wood?

Rob,

I use close-grained wood like maple or beech or poplar, and give it with
several coats of water based polyurethane. I find it smells less than
oil based products, and I suspect it has less to leach into the must or
wine, 'though it probably doesn't matter. The sealant goes on before
attaching to the hoops, giving special attention to the end grain.

Many years ago I slapped a basket together in a hurry from cheap pine
1x2 furring strips, uncoated. It never caused a problem, and is still
going strong for a friend. I believe sanitation & drying & storage are
more important than how, or even _if_ the wood is coated. Do be wary of
crevices though; they're hard to clean.

--


Mike MTM, Cokesbury, New Jersey, USA