William, What I have been using and enjoying using is a metal desk. Top is OK and the drawers with pull outs make it function well. However, I have a large Oak door that I though would be an upgrade. Problem comes as to what to put on for a finish. The most promising to me was Joe Garrett's suggestions for Tung OIl. I'm not clear as to the difference between Danish oil and Tung oil, or wipe on Poly. I read that wipe on was diluted poly taking multiple coats to build a respectable finish. Tung Oil I have used on some small items. Joe's description of sanding smooth and flat was quite interesting for my use. Maybe this could be a subject for a technical. ?? Joel On Nov 28, 2006, at 9:48 PM, William R. Monroe wrote: > Hey Joel, > > Good advice from Terry F. I would probably use a Danish oil or > similar, but I think it is important to consider the tasks being done. > When it comes to durability, not much will stand up to a stray > screwdriver, but for sliding the action on and off, any standard > finishes would be fine - Danish oil, varnish, polyurethane. As was > mentioned, it is very easy to renew an oil finish, without extensive > preparation. > > If you really want protection, you might consider either: > > A. putting a layer of plastic laminate on top of the whole works, > (contact cement, best to make it slightly large, then trim flush to > the benchtop with a - surprise! flush-trim bit in the router). > > B. making a replaceable top. i.e. keep your benches as they are, but > make a top piece out of 1/4" masonite, with rails that go around the > edge of the masonite and keep it fitted to the top of the original > bench. > > Best, > William R. Monroe > > > >> I think the preferred finish depends largely on what tasks are done >> on the bench. I tend to do a lot of gluing - wood glues, >> urea-formaldehyde adhesives, epoxy, etc. I always have glue slop, >> drips, etc. on my bench. What I have found to work very well is to >> sand the surface flat and spray whatever finish I have handy - >> usually a water-based lacquer. I put several quick coats on it. >> >> Then after I have done some gluing, I scrape off the glue - it >> usually takes off a coat of finish - but that way the glue comes off >> cleanly and very easily. I just keep doing that until the finish gets >> too rough - then I sand it again and spray a few new coats on. I just >> keep repeating the process every few months or so. That way I almost >> always have a smooth finish on the bench, and one that glue is very >> easily removed. >> >> Terry Farrell >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >>> I would use Watco danish oil, or another of their similar oils. The >>> oil penetrates the wood, then hardens, providing a tough, non-skin >>> surface that can be easily renewed at any time by a simple wipe-on >>> application. I don't think you want anything that shines, because it >>> won't for long, and a slick surface is not work-friendly. >>> >>> -Mark Schecter >>> >>> Joel A. Jones wrote: >>>> Hi all, >>>> >>>> I am building several new work benches which >>>> need a tough finish. What finish does anyone use >>>> for a good regulating bench? >>>> >>>> The recommendations for old finishes directed my >>>> thoughts toward my projects in a remodel of the >>>> shop. >>>> >>>> Thanks in advance for your suggestions. >>>> >>>> Joel >>>> Joel Jones, RPT >>>> Madison, WI > >
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