I am new to woodworking I am pretty good with tools and building or fixing things. I frequently need a place to work and clamp stuff down. The Wired Workbench is pretty much exactly what I need. I have already purchased most of the materials to complete the project but I need a few questions answered before I start. I am using 3/4″ sanded oak plywood and was wondering what would be the best way or a reccommended way to go about adding a finish. I am looking for mainly moisture protection and scratch resistance. I live in Phoenix, Arizona so we have very little rain and my work area is under a covered carport (I plan to enclose but that is down the road). So it won’t get directly rained on but it will be exposed to a small amount of moister.
First off I bought sanded oak plywood from Lowe’s Home Center should I do any additional sanding?
Next, I am thinking about using an Oil-based polyurethane, Lowe’s carries Minwax. Is this a good choice? Is there anything in particular I need to look for when I buy it? Will a quart be enough for this project? I plan on brushing it on due to my experience level. However I do have an air compressor and can get a spray gun.
Should I apply the finish to each piece before I build it? What process should I use? More than 1 coat, sanding between coats? Is there pieces that should not be finished such as pieces in the top clamp assembly?
One more thing, I had the plywood cut at Lowe’s out of neccesity and their saw left some splintered edges mainly on the back side of cross cuts. The guy told me this would happen and he tried to make sure he faced the wood so it was on the non-visible side of each piece. Should I sand this out or just leave it?
Thank you in advance for your assistance. I appreciate your time and expertise. Here is a link to the Wired Workbench Article.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/PlansAndProjects/PlansAndProjectsPDF.aspx?id=34369
Replies
suggestions
Prior to sanding your plywood, check the thickness of the surface veneer/ply, and then be correspondingly cautious. With thin surface veneers/plies, it's easy to sand right through them. leaving an ugly scar. If there is tear-out at the corners, consider filling with wood putty that hardens, and then sanding carefully.
I don't have the plans for the bench, but if there are exposed plywood edges, consider adding hardwood strips to make the edge of the work surface more durable.
Next, regarding the finish, it is impossible to completely "seal" any wood. Several coats of "one-pound cut" de-waxed shellac, however, will provide a good base for the final finish. It applies easily, and dries very quickly, so several coats can be applied with very little wait time between coats. I recommend buying de-waxed shellac flakes, and mixing it yourself with alcohol. The "one pound cut" refers to a ratio of one pound of flakes to a gallon of alcohol, but it is usually mixed in smaller quantities at that ratio. A small food scale is helpful in measruing the flakes. If your local supplier doesn't have flakes, try woodworker.com.
Since you are going to leave this outside, you might consider a marine-quality spar varnish as the final finish, rather than the normal poly. Marine spar varnish usually stands up better in outdoor situations. If you decide to pre-finish some components that might be hard to reach, be sure to protect (mask) any surfaces that would be glued during assembly. You want raw wood for glue joints.
Cover it
If the WB will be outside, even under a carport, I would consider getting a cover made. I live in the Middle East, with limited garage and house space, and have several tables outside under a canvas cover. This protects them very well, even in my extreme humidity/dry hot/cool weather swings. It limits dust, protects from bird droppings, and protects the top from wear when things are inevitably stacked on it. I have a bar made of oak veneer plywood on casters that is 6 or 7 years old. It has a granite top, but the painted plywood base has held up very well. Not sure who could make it for you in the States, tent makers are a dime a dozen here. If you find someone to do it, be sure to ask if the canvas shrinks. Some do and you want to make sure you allow for it.
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