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I have a European style workbench with a butcher block style top. I have always protected the top with a piece of masonite, which gets in the way when I use the end and side vises.
I would like to get rid of the masonite and apply the proper finish to give the top some degree of protection. I know that if glue hardens on the raw wood, chunks of wood may come out when I chisel it off. This is primarily what I want to avoid, while maintaining a smooth work surface for assembly and glue ups, etc.
What is the most proactical finish to apply and maintain?
Thanks,
Mike
Replies
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You may want to search the archives - I recall this discussion before.
Most linseed oil or tung oil finishes work fine.
Here's a variation you may consider:
2 oz of melted beeswax cut with pint of turp. Add linseed in equal measure to the wax/turp. Apply for several days until the wood won't take any more. If the top is damaged just apply more.
This finish is mentioned in
i The Workbench Book
and is attributed to the Plimoth Plantation.
Best,
Seth
*Does anyone think he needs to be concerned about finishes that might transfer to the workpiece ?Steve
*that's weird, I thought I posted an answer to this post last night - if I'm dreaming of this place, I'm doomed!Mike, rub in a couple coats of boiled linseed one night when you know you won't be using the bench for a day or two. That'll give it time to cure so you won't affect your work, and provide a surface that will allow glue drops to just pop off. Also, you can just do it again whenever your work has worn your finish to death. Simple, effective, easily maintainable. SB
*Scott,I'm having the same deja-vu! I did the same and just reposted elsewhere but here I see what I posted the other day coming back to haunt me already!Seth
*ROFLOL... me too... He's got it posted in two different areas.BLO would be my choice also. Just buff it good after it dries.
*Scott, Mike posted this same question in almost every forum of every bulletin board I frequent. Mike, posting on multiple boards is OK, but only post on one discussion group on that board. Just adds to the clutter when you post on every group or section.
*Sorry for the multiple postings! I didn't realize that so many other woodworkers frequent so many bulletin boards as I do.By the way, I think I'm sold on the BLO.Thanks for all the input... at least twice!!MikeP.S. I won't repeat this message on the other sites.
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