When I’m struggling with a problem it helps me to explain it to my dog. It’s great for me to hear it out loud and if he’s paying attention, I’ve got a needlessly learned dog!

Walnut isn’t so pale and doesn’t have knots like that.

The knots and colouring suggest pine, I’d say.

Then I said “I don’t know, what’s the favicon with you?”

What a nice workshop you’ve made; it has such character. I especially like the salmon push stick!

Beautiful work!

You chose well with tung oil, it’ll harden unlike beeswax. Pure tung’s often my go-to but it just takes so long to properly dry if you’re doing multiple coats.

Beautiful work, very impressive. Did you finish it with beeswax for good measure?

Your comment and username have made my day so far.

I’ve got no lathing tips for you because I’ve only used a lathe once and I’m more of a carver but you’ve done a great job there for a first attempt! For the finish I’d recommend smoothing it out with some 240 grit sandpaper, cleaning it off with white spirits or similar then giving it a couple of coats of Danish or boiled linseed oil. The grain will look absolutely beautiful.

Be sure to post an update photo!

They could be executed themselves. The stakes are very high.