Advice on finish for workbench

Hi All,

I'm building a workbench from Aus Woodsmith and am just wondering what you might think would be the best finish for the structure and the top.

The top will be made from mdf, so I'm a bit unsure about what to use.

I normally finish my projects in intergrain tung oil, but I just don't know for this project.

My other fear is that the mdf will expand with the oil.

I recently finished mine with clear poly - cheap, easy and resistent to glue; and also easy to recoat.

Hi ranger

I have used danish oil on my mdf top and it stands up pretty well.

My next top though I will use a thin sheet of masonite on top of the mdf as a sacrificial piece that is a little stronger than mdf and doesnt need finishing.

Which bench did you build?

cheers

dazzler

I agree with dazzler (next top). Sacrificial masonite also recommended by Nawm, and Nawm is occasionally right. When it gets too beat up fo accurate layout work, just replace it.

It's a workbench, not a dining table. If the finish is too good, you'll be hesitant about really using it for work.

Joe

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dazzler

Hi ranger

I have used danish oil on my mdf top and it stands up pretty well.

My next top though I will use a thin sheet of masonite on top of the mdf as a sacrificial piece that is a little stronger than mdf and doesnt need finishing.

Which bench did you build?

cheers

dazzler

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Its the one out of edition 19. I liked the fact you could add storage to it. I have just started, so I'm open to ideas.

I like the idea of the masonite on top

Does this mean the red gum I used is overkill???

Only reason I used that was because I had plenty 6 inch x 2 inch red gum slabs laying around and I thought what the hell. Then again I dont abuse the workbench too much.

Pete

Quote:

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Originally Posted by joe greiner

I agree with dazzler (next top). Sacrificial masonite also recommended by Nawm, and Nawm is occasionally right. When it gets too beat up fo accurate layout work, just replace it.

It's a workbench, not a dining table. If the finish is too good, you'll be hesitant about really using it for work.

Joe

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Whats nawm?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dazzler

Hi ranger

I have used danish oil on my mdf top and it stands up pretty well.

My next top though I will use a thin sheet of masonite on top of the mdf as a sacrificial piece that is a little stronger than mdf and doesnt need finishing.

Which bench did you build?

cheers

dazzler

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So how thick the masonite? The plans use 2 sheets of 18 mm mdf. Do you think I should use one 18mm and one smaller to compensate for the masonite. Or maybe just make the aprons a little bigger?

I keep adding to the finish on my bench.

Shellac, paint, turps, metho, poly Urethane, coffee, beer.

It's all adding to the hardness and longevity of the surface. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ranger

So how thick the masonite? The plans use 2 sheets of 18 mm mdf. Do you think I should use one 18mm and one smaller to compensate for the masonite. Or maybe just make the aprons a little bigger?

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Stick with the two sheets of mdf and add the thinnest masonite (3mm :confused: ). If the plans are the ones that have a timber edging around it just make it 3mm proud of the top, make the back and one side removable so you can place the new piece on top and then secure.

cheers:confused:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ranger

Whats nawm?

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Norm Abrams, host of The New Yankee Workshop.

If not yet apparent, Norm has a distinctive New England accent. "Nawm" is sometimes also spelled "Nahm."

Joe

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gumby

I keep adding to the finish on my bench.

Shellac, paint, turps, metho, poly Urethane, coffee, beer.

It's all adding to the hardness and longevity of the surface. :)

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Can I come over and have a bench tasting session ... hic! :) I've always wanted to hit the turps:D

Doughboy,
not overkill - but it does make you a bastard in the eyes of all the blokes with mdf tops!
:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ranger

So how thick the masonite? The plans use 2 sheets of 18 mm mdf. Do you think I should use one 18mm and one smaller to compensate for the masonite. Or maybe just make the aprons a little bigger?

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I would go with the 4.8mm for your top