advise on finishing workbench

[68 sat]

Hello All. This site has become my latest obsession. The talent and info. on these pages is awesome. I have so many questions as a newbie but I will start with my workbench. I am in the middle of re-organizing my garage for my car projects. I just purchased a shed to get all the non car essentials out of the workspace so here I am.

I was thinking of staining/sealing this old but very cool workbench. It is rough but I love the character of it. Can anyone advise me how to seal/stain this?

Also picked up this Dewalt Drill press and re-purposed an old craftsman saw stand...Enjoy the pics

 

[jasonreck71]

Cover it with 1/4" hardboard and then every couple of years when it looks bad replace it...

 

[oldnndway]

I'm kinda thinking any kind of sealer may have a hard time if there is oil soaked into the wood (like there is in most wooden work tables)... stain might look good and there may be something that will cover and protect ... maybe polyurethane or something.
Cool bench !

 

[huero]

Why stain and seal? The oil stains are doing a good job of that.
I would leave it as is other then getting it cleared of excess tools being stored on it.

 

[cranejon]

Lightly sand the top and paint with boiled linseed oil. Great workbench finish.

 

[BWS]

Agree with above....cvr it with hdbd.Then you keep one side for junky/dirty "stuff",flipping to clean side only when necessary.Toss the whole thing when it gets too nasty.BW

 

[68 sat]

I worked on the garage today. I am a big fan of re-purposing stuff. The white box was in my dads garage for about 15 years. I sanded it and repainted it. The grey cabinets were from a van that I got at a garage sale. The benches are a mix of different stuff but mostly hand me downs..If someone could offer advise on the layout I am struggling with the best layout..It will be used mostly for home stuff and car restoration..tx and a pic of a great find at the Autorama last wk. Original tq wrench in box $10 bucks

 

[964haus]

68,
Welcome to the collective obsession!

I am designing a shed at the moment and would love more details and pictures if possible of your shed. I love the end door you have and I'm planning on a similar treatment. Any interior pictures would be great too as I'm trying to maximize my storage.

Like you most of my stuff is repurposed so any inspiration is awesome.

Good job so far

Matthew.

 

[regguy1]

I am a big fan of re-purposing stuff......I re-purposed some 2" x 4"'s and plywood into a workbench about 30 years ago, see how it's held up in the garage tour video link below

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I'd probably wipe it with tung oil about once every year...

 

[Al Bundy]

Original tq wrench in box $10 bucks

Geez I hope that isn't all it's worth. I've got one just like it. I was hoping it was at least worth a case of beer.

 

[68 sat]

Nice garage and repurposed bench..super clean and plenty of height..Yes I am sure it's worth more than $10. This one is brand new.even though I have 3 I couldn't pass this one by

 

[Jack Olsen]

What is it you want to change about the bench? Appearance or durability? It's a pretty cool bench the way it is -- and that drill press is awesome.

 

[quick60]

The bench and the drill press have a lot of character as is. Not a fan of natural wood workbenches but maybe clean t and or level it out with a plane or sander and then a clear polyurethane.

 

[68 sat]

I have been collecting old skool hot rod stickers for awhile at swap meets and car shows. Finally found a home for them...