Hi gang,
I’m a newbie here, so go easy on me. Actually, you seem like a pretty nice bunch of people compared to some other BB’s I read. I’m nearing completion of the “Weekend Workbench”, my first workbench project. If you’re not familiar with the design, it’s made of laminated 2 X 4’s (I used Douglas Fir framing lumber), with a solid core door (30″ x 80″) for the benchtop. I got the frame built (it was square and level – Yippee!), bolted the door (cost me $20, real oak veneer that nobody will see) on, and mounted the vise.
The hardwood distributor we shopped at for the benchtop material couldn’t find enough #2 maple T & G flooring, my first choice, and sold me a box of “side-pressed” bamboo T & G flooring for the same price. Man, is it beautiful! What should I use to finish it? Tung oil, boiled linseed oil?
Thanks in advance.
CoffeeGeek (Bob in Seattle)
Replies
I like linseed oil
I will second the linseed oil. A old rule I learned is:
Once a day for a week.
Once a week for a month.
Once a month for a year.
Once a year for life.
Scott C. Frankland
Newfoundland Wood Worker
The only part that I don't like about the linseed oil is the time it takes to dry. Exposure to sunlights speeds it up.
I built my workbench out of maple and used Watco gym floor finish. It was in use in 24 hours. I applied a thin coat of wax.
The bench gets stuff spilled on it, paint, glue, oil, dark stain, lots of "dings" and who knows what. Wax it once or twice a year. About every 2 years I sand it down, put on some more Watco gym floor oil. I am very happy with it.
Curt
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