Photo 5: The recess in the top has now been sanded and is ready for finish. I use a product called Clapham's Salad Bowl finish, which is a blend of beeswax and mineral oil. I rub it into the wood with the lathe stopped, then buff it out with the lathe running. I try not to get any of the finish on the gluing surfaces, but it is still a good idea to wipe them down with mineral spirits prior to gluing the top and bottom together.