Finish for maple bench top

[Bill Sampson]

I am in the process of building a new work bench as well as refinishing an old maple top. Had the top flattened and sanded at a local shop, and now need to refinish. Search of previous posts suggested BLO, water lox, and tung oil. I don't want a finish that will dry and chip. Open to suggestions. Thanks

Bill Sampson, Richmond

[Hank Knight]

Bill, I used McCloskey's Tung Oil Finish from Highland Hardware on my bench top. It's pure tung oil, thinned with some driers added. I've been very happy with it. It was easy to apply and is tough as nails - no chipping and it's easy to repair. See Link: http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5330

[Jim Becker]

I only use BLO...and renew it a couple times a year. Quick. Easy. Cheap. Effective in allowing glue drips to release. Etc. I see no reason to use anything expensive on a bench, nor to I want any kind of film finish due to the chipping potenial you mention. Personal preference, though... ;)