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Thread: Workbench Finish

  1. #1

    Workbench Finish

    I made a workbench for the wood shop a few years ago and I just added a vise so it's finally time to "finish" this project. The bench top and base are made of Maple (butcher block style) while the vise jaws and bench tray/trim are Walnut. What finish/treatment/oil/etc... would be best for this?

    Thanks in advance for you're input.

  2. #2

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,895
    I use BLO which is simple, not a film finish and easily renewable as the bench, itself, is maintained over time. It provides enough glue resistance that it either wipes up easily or chips off easily, as the case may be.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    WNY
    Posts
    9,750
    Tung Oil on mine.

    John

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Columbus, OH
    Posts
    3,064
    I used a single application of Watco Teak Oil on my Ash bench and lumber rack. At it's heart is Linseed oil, thinned with Naptha. The advertising indicates that it gets absorbed deeper into dense wood than other products. I flooded in on and kept adding as it absorbed. Once I saw it staying on the surface, I waited about 10 minutes then vigorously wiped the excess off, rubbing the surface to almost a dry feeling.
    Brian

    "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger or more complicated...it takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." - E.F. Schumacher

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2019
    Location
    The old pueblo in el norte.
    Posts
    1,904
    50/50 BLO and turpentine on mine.

    Turpentine is the choice because I have it on hand. I'd use mineral spirits, naphtha, whatever too.
    ~mike

    happy in my mud hut

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Michiana
    Posts
    3,079
    Mine is construction lumber below with a butcher block maple top. I used BLO when I built it in 2008. It's worn off the top from a couple flattening sessions, but other than that it's in great shape.
    Sharp solves all manner of problems.

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