I made the “Latta Fun” mini work bench. I used cherry for the top. Recommendations for a finish to make it easier to clean off glue and to help sustain it? I want to be able to renew the finish by simply sanding the top and reapplying the same finish, so I prefer something generic that’s easy to get. Many thanks.
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I used blonde shellac on the one I made. It is a fantastic little bench. It is affixed to my main bench more than not.
Thanks. I struggled cutting through 1.5 inch plywood with the scroll saw, and the dowels. Next lifetime, I might approach this differently.
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Wax. I used oil and wax on the whole workbench when I made it. I keep applying wax to the top periodically. Wax and glue don't work together. Drips happen but they just pop right off with a quick swipe of a scraper.
That must've been a slog with a scroll saw but you make the best with what you got. If you don't have them already, I highly recommend dowel centering pins. They're a game changer for alignment and cost a few bucks.
Your mini bench looks great!
No finish on mine. Glue scrapes off easily enough. After a while regular use gives it character. It ain't furniture.
I used Waterlox. Any wiping varnish except polyurethane will be sand- &-recoat renewable. I probably used only 2 coats to avoid a lot of surface build up. I don't care for the slickness wax produces on a bench top.
Used danish oil on my moxon, have not had to touch it again. Not sure I ever got glue on it.
I make my own finish, mix a third linseed oil, varnish and paint thinner. Wipe on 3 coats.
What do you like about this combo? What sort of varnish? Thanks.
I like this combo because it protects the bench from glue and spills but does not make the bench slick. I use Watco danish oil. I put on 3 coats and when I re-flatten I reapply.
Good luck
+1 on this ^^^^
Wipe on polyurethane. Easy to use and bulletproof. It's a bench, not a piano. Finish it quick and make some furniture!