Wooden Roller - Timber Choice????

G'day all,



So I have a job to make a roller for the front of a roller lawn mower. Awaiting dimensions but guessing a cylinder about 450 long, maybe 600 x 100 - 150.



This will be a daily use machine.



What timber would you recommend for a lawn mower. The guy says he wants 'bling factor'



Hope someone can help. Worried about movement myself with summer and winter and moisture from the lawn.



Also ... how to finish it - oil?



Thanks





Dave the turning cowboy



turning wood into art