Butcher block treatment

[rburke65]

Hey guys, I just bought 2 unfinished, Red Oak butcher block finger jointed work bench tops. This is for a shop and I am just going to use these as a work surface doing any kind of project that may raise it's head. Any suggestions as to a sealer or finish? I'm all ears. Thanks guys.

 

[ishiboo]

Hey guys, I just bought 2 unfinished, Red Oak butcher block finger jointed work bench tops. This is for a shop and I am just going to use these as a work surface doing any kind of project that may raise it's head. Any suggestions as to a sealer or finish? I'm all ears. Thanks guys.

Polyurethane clear if you want something "permanent", being a work bench it will never be. Boiled linseed oil or mineral oil if you're going to be keeping it up regularly.

A $$ option is a clear, 2-part epoxy poured on... you can build it up in one pour very thick and sand out scratches/etc.

 

[rburke65]

Ishiboo....thanks for replying. I think m ruling out the 'poly'. Would a tung oil be an option?

 

[velocipede]

Watco Butcher Block Oil has worked for me.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_43860-90-000000000000241758_0__?productId=3153369

 

[1/2 Cup]

I use either a tung oil, Danish oil or O'Cedar oil ( I am not sure you guys can get it there? )

All work well for me.

Regards

 

[Cyberbear]

Open grained oak for a utility work bench top is a good choice. I've used oak on my woodworking bench for several decades w/o problems. You may wish to use an oil of some type since a poly you don't want, but stay away from oils that turn rancid with age. A petroleum based oil. or a Watco clear Danish oil is good.

 

[Jere]

I use Johnson s floor wax for stuff like this, or shoe polish if I want to stain the wood. Its simple and cheap to apply and re apply rather than leaving a scratch or a chip like paint like coatings. You can light it on fire in the tin to melt it and get the wax to soak in deeper and apply more smoothly. Just put the lid back on to put the flame out before dipping a rag in.

 

[Man+Machine]

General finishes high performance or Arm-R-Seal is the Nuts! Woodcraft has it in stock. I have had arm-r-seal on my benches for 4 years. I Take acetone to it all the time, and it has still held up. High performance is their newer " Cadillac" formula and works really well. Just my .04 cents.

 

[paulsomlo]

If you want to seal it from liquids, use a varnish, like Waterlox, etc.. Straight oils and "Danish Oils" offer limited protection, as they cure soft and don't form a protective film. If you're going to do automotive type work and general mechanic stuff, put a sheet of masonite over the top - that type of work will really chew up a wood bench top.

 

[jake00]

I used floor finish on mine, Tung oil would be ok too

 

[rburke65]

Thanks to all. I used the Watco Danish Clear oil. I have put numerous coats on the tops so far and will let it dry for a few days before applying Minwax Wax.

 

[67carl]

Thanks to all. I used the Watco Danish Clear oil. I have put numerous coats on the tops so far and will let it dry for a few days before applying Minwax Wax.

Can't believe no one has said this yet, but where are the pics?!

 

[rburke65]

Well Carl, I am not too tech savvy. I have an iPad with photos but have never had any luck posting. A real PITA! Sorry......

 

[Plump]

Here is what I used and love it.

http://www.rockler.com/rockler-s-tung-oil

 

[67carl]

Well Carl, I am not too tech savvy. I have an iPad with photos but have never had any luck posting. A real PITA! Sorry......

I use an iPad as well. Posting a pic has gotten better than it used to. When you're in the reply window:

* Select Manage Attachements. A new window will open.
* Select Choose File, then Photo Library
* Select the album, then the picture
* Select Upload. Once the pic uploads (wait for the file to appear under the Choose File buttons) close the window. To close the window pick the little "x" to close the tab, selecting the "Close Window" does nothing. Another quirk of Apple.

Now your back to the reply window. If you've already typed your comments then just select Submit Reply. Once you do it you'll see it's easy. No worries if you don't want to, just though it would be cool to see it.

I'm posting pics in case you want to try it or if any other iPad user wants to know how.

 

[67carl]

Step 2...

 

[SD396]

Watco oil stain and bowling alley wax. Works great for me.