Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Bench top finish?
Jeff
>Two questions. First on a traditional bench, SYP top how do you finish it? Or what do use for a finish?
Second question. Has anyone ever just something like Johnsons paste was on a tempered masonite? I cover most of my work surfaces with this and was wondering if it was OK to use? And will it keep glue from sticking? I need a place to do my glue-ups.
Re: Bench top finish?
JL
>In regards to question #1 - whatever you want. I used a flood coat of BLO, urethane and thinner (pour on and wipe it in) with several coats. It is a work bench, and it will get dinged up. Wipe on poly (water or solvent based) would also work.
In regards to question #2 - I had to use some of the tempered masonite for a portable caligraphy board for my wife. To prevent it shedding so much on the back, I used a spray satin poly (three coats) on all of it and then some wax on the front. It sheds ink really well, so it would probably shed glue.
Bench top finish - use wax
Angus Barclay, in New Zealand
>I just use cheap paste wax as a finish on my bench top. Helps stop spills from sticking or soaking in and is easy to apply. The slick surface very ocassionaly causes issues, but 99% of the time the wax is an ideal finish for my bench.
regards
Angus Barclay
On my Ulmia
Jim Reed @Tallahassee
>I am lucky enough to have an original Ulmia with a heavy beech top. I mix up boiled linseed oil and turps (2:1) and wipe down the top and vise faces about twice a year. Let it sit overnight and then wipe the top with a paper towel. I also use the bench for glue ups and this surface makes the little drops *pop* right off when they dry.
Re: Bench top finish?
Greg Sloop, Portland Oregon
>I've got shellac on mine - dewaxed. I like it quite well. Sheds glue nicely too.
Cheers,
Greg
Re: Bench top finish?
Todd Stock
>If you work on your bench, Watco or shellac, plus wax. If you tend to work into the bench, BLO and wax.
Re: Bench top finish?
Alan Bierbaum
>My bench top is maple with waterlox and wax. For the occasional spill; it cleans up fine. I have a piece of Masonite with poly and wax that I use when gluing and finishing. It does clean up but tends to get "dirty" with use.
Re: Bench top finish?
Greg B�tit, Vergennes, VT
>A hundred years from now it might not matter what you put on your bench top.
THANKS! Sounds interesting
Jeff
>
Love shellac. will consider that too
Jeff
>
Re: Bench top finish?
Jeff
>Nothing a week of planning won't fix. :-)
To much character there to do anything to that bench!!