Found some 5/16 hardwood dowels for a very good price. Going to make some 2 piece striker by drilling and inserting into a large dowel of different species. I have enough wood projects going I did not want another hobby. I bought a few different species of wood and am gonna give it a try. Not going to be fancy, but we will see how they sound. If they sound nice I will give them to friends and family as backups if they lose theirs.
How do I finish them? I was looking in my shop and I have some teak oil. Also have Waterlox, but that takes a while between coats. Not trying to make them pretty, just if one accidentally sounds good, I want it to last.
Can I stain them and then use a spray poly? (just to darken the wood?). Do I leave it unfinished the last 1/2" or so?