BLO or oiled wood

[Patrick Chadwick]

...I applied Behr Tung oil to a stock because it was recommended by a very knowledgeable person only to find out later the contents of the product had changed and it was now had 50% linseed oil and was a wiping varnish. Behr Tung oil contains absolutely NO tung oil and was changed to save the company money.

Edward et al, I would be grateful if someone could either verify the following or demonstrate that it is a myth:

I once read (sorry, I've lost the reference) that the tung oil used by the Japanese on the T38 and T99 rifles was derived from the Tung oil tree (Aleurites fordii). It belongs to the Euphorbia Family (Euphorbiaceae) and the juice of euphorbia plants, commonly known in the garden as spurges, can cause allergic reactions.

And, so the mislaid source, some GIs exhibited allergic reactions after handling captured Japanese rifles. This story may have some element of truth. If true, it would explain why a merchant of a wood finish might want to cash in on the known name of Tung as a good wood finish, but avoid using the real stuff to avoid medical claims from allergic customers.

Thanks to anyone who can clarify!

Patrick