I am pretty sure I will be asked to make about 15 pitchers that will hold water for 3 hours. Not regularly, but for a single use or a couple of times per year. I am planning to make them in 2 or 3 parts, glued and sealed together as a hollow form.
Yes, I know that there is no such thing as waterproof. But here is what I have in mind:
Possibly using White Oak which is less absorbent than many other woods.
Type III glue or epoxy
Using one of the following finishing patterns:
Several layers of de-waxed shellac. Polyurethane, thinned at first then full strength in final layers.
or…
Epifanes Marine Varnish. It works on my white oak outdoor bench and picnic table so shy not?
or…
Waterlox (after all it uses the words "water" and "lox")