Bench ID and Painting Suggestions

[cal67ss396]

I got this bench from my grandfathers when he passed away a little over a year ago. I made the mistake and left it outside and the top got alot of surface rust on it. I wire brushed it off but don't really like the finish it has now. I was wondering if anyone has ever painted a bench top before? If so what paint have you used. It appears that the bench was previously painted with some type of green paint or powdercoating. I know if I paint it that eventually it will wear off.

I am also looking to see if anyone knows what these markings mean on the front edge. One additional thing I would like to know is my vise US made and is it good. I know its not a tradesman but it is a wilton.

 

[airbuff101]

Cal,
Your vise is a 745 Mechanics vise and it is Very good.
The Older U.S. made versions should say Made in USA on right side (sticker side)of both front and rear jaw.
If yours is later and doesn't have those markings it still is a Damn Good Vise......no matter where it was cast.

airbuff

 

[ZRX61]

Have another go at the top with a DA sander & 220 grit discs. It will improve the look quite a lot.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Those are common industrial and commercial workbenches. I have four of them. I can see the foot on one of the legs, with the slotted holes to bolt it down. On a couple of mine the feet are buggered up where the anchors were torched off. I just sand them and paint them with Rustoleoum Navy Gray paint. Unless you are beating on stuff real bad, the paint holds up pretty well. One of the benches has a thick rubber sheet glued on it and I have left it that way.

Charles