Replies

1. 
   SoCalDon | Oct 08, 2003 01:17am | #1

   I used boiled linseed oil followed by numerous coats of wax. I love it because its easily renewable and glue won't stick to it.

2. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Oct 08, 2003 08:14am | #2

   Hi Bill,

   I've glued together a benchtop today - I originally had all these grand plans to finish it properly, but then realised that it's designed to be used and (hopefully not too often) abused.

   So, I'm just going to use a can of tung oil decking finish to do the job (I have three litres sitting in a can here looking for a home), and this will hopefully prevent glue adherence also.  If it doesn't, then I'll wax the top as well.

   Enjoy finishing the bench and using it.

   Cheers,

   eddie.

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Oct 08, 2003 09:29am | #3

   Bill

      I just finished another work-bench. I used about a quart and a half of Watco. It's mainly boiled linseed and tung with a few added ingredients to make it sound mysterious. ha..ha.. It won't make it pretty as some of the other finishes, but when it comes time to re-flatten, you will appreciate the ease of not having to sand off the harder finishes first.

      I also wax with Butchers Wax as used on bowling alley lanes. It is easily removed with mineral spirits. So, have to agree with the others.

   Have fun...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   rckendall | Oct 09, 2003 03:51pm | #6

   Sarge,

   Where's the pictures, some of us are waiting patiently to see it.

   Keep up the good work and the much appreciated feedback.

   Richard

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Oct 10, 2003 04:04am | #7

   Richard

      I applied the Butchers Wax last nite. The bench is ready. Was going to take pictures this morning, but the over-cast over-rode that. Will shoot for tomorrow morning if the weather premits. Have the "first lady" drop them for developement during the day and post tomorrow nite. If I have to wait to Sat. or Sunday to get them, same procedure.

      It will appear under General Discussion as I am curious as to what others opinions are of build or buy. We all have theories of what is the best approach. No one's theory is wrong as I see it, just different. Just curious as to how others theories differ from mine. Should be interesting to hear how others base their decision on W/B's.

      Thanks for the compliment. That's like getting a yearly bonus check to a non-professional. About our only reward other than the solemn enjoyment of the tools, the shop and the passion for wood itself.

      As those folks in the military say,"Stand by for next transmission", ETA stated in above paragraphs. ha..ha..

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

4. 
   mike4244 | Oct 08, 2003 09:06pm | #4

   I made a maple bench about a dozen years ago and finished it with Varathane. Holding up very well, easy to scrape glue off. If you use Varathane I would cut it with the proper solvent. Out of the can it is thick and hard to brush.I believe I put three coats on .A spar varnish would be a good alternate.

   mike

5. 
   Napie | Oct 08, 2003 11:38pm | #5

   Linseed oil for the vices and frame, leave the top bare and scrape it once in a while.

6. 
   Telemike | Oct 10, 2003 07:15am | #8

   When I finished my bench earlier this year, I coated with a good soaking with watco, then finished with 5 coats of wipe on poly with some sanding between coats.  This is the same finish that I used on the shop counters three years ago and the previous bench over 15 years ago, not to mention infeed and outfeed tables and my kitchen cabinets.  The watco is there to darken and develop the color in the wood - not for protection.  The poly sheds glue, paint, water, and oils as I use the bench for woodworking and basic garage work.  When it gets too battered, a sanding with 220 or 320 and one or two wipeon coats of poly and the bench is good for another few years.

   The base has the same finish, but will probably not ever get recoated.  It's called "provenance".