Over the past few weeks I've been carving myself a cup.
This is my first ever real carving project - so it is rough and kind of sucks BUT it is crafted by my own two hands.
I have some questions on finishing now I'm getting closer to the end.
Specifically if anyone has recommendations on oiling and finishing it up beyond sanding...?

There is still quite a bit of work to be done. My S5LE helped me out though most of the carving was done with an opinel and a special gouging tool.

That looks awesomely primitive. I like it.

I used Bee's Oil Salad Bowl & Wood Preserver on a plate I made on a lathe and it has held up great and never got me sick. My father, who is a wood-working freak, recommended it to me. He has been making things out of wood since he was little, so I trust him, and he's my paw.

I had a really nice wooden coffee mug when I was in the Philippines and used it for years. It finally busted on me, don't know why for sure, it was sealed up really well and I kept it oiled. Guess wood just isn't made to hold up to hot coffee everyday like that.

Just the info I was looking for, thanks JJ!

Oh the wood is birch - some cursory reading suggested this was a good starting wood to carve with.

Skunk- That is a shame, I think this will become my scotch drinking cup <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

It is your cup and you should finish it how you want, but I think it would look cool is you just sanded the the imperfections out of it and left the carved look instead of a perfectly smooth cup. I am sure it'll turn out cool however you finish it though.

That is an awesome cup. And j.j.'s advice on the sealer makes sense. Thanks for posting this.

I like the cup, and the intended purpose. I have heard good things about the stuff JJ mentioned. Look forward to seeing how you finish it out.

Nice looking cup, cant wait to see it when your done.

I agree the cup looks awesome. And yeah it would look nice all smooth and polished up, but then it would be like any other cup. Leaver rough, just smooth it up enough so you don't dribble from it when you drink out of it. That way it WILL be yours. There will be none other like it. Good job.

I'm finding myself agreeing with ya'll about keeping it a bit - rough'n'ready in look. It certainly gives it more character than a super nice finished cup would.
I will be sure to post updates when it is done <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You can always make another one, all smooth and polished up.

great job on the cup!