Hello, Would someone please share some info about the peel I just made. I haven't put anything in the way of oil or a finish on the business end yet. Is there something I should do to it before using it? It's made from alder and I'm unsure how it will stand up to oven heat and abrasion on the hearth. I have no experience with wood fired ovens or the tools.

Also, about the mop thing for cleaning remains of the ashes after their removal.... I'm assuming that it should only be damp to avoid thermal shock to the fire brick. I don't see how that thing would get very much of the ash dust up that way. The pics I've seen look like about 5 rag strips attached to a stick. Would a real mop be better? This stuff will probably be a lot clearer after I bake in once but that's a little ways away yet. Thanks if you can help.

Ron