Scott,

Maybe I missed something in the overall tone of this thread that would answer this question, but what makes Tung oil a "terrible" finish? I can see that it wouldn't be very tough and that it isn't going to make a shinny covering, but I think the look is beautiful. I'm looking at a pen my wife made me from a walnut blank that she finished while it was still on the lathe using Tung oil and I love it. the feel of the surface in my hand is very pleasing.

I also used Tung oil to finish a hard maple handle I turned for the Thompson Bowl gouge I got her a few Christmas' ago. I really like the look and feel of it also.

I haven't used it on any flat work yet, so maybe it does better when it's rubbed in with spindle work still on the lathe.

Just curious about the term terrible in this context.