Refinishing Gladiator workbench top

[BigDaveZJ]

Bought an 8' Gladiator bench a while back and the top is well used. Lot of small dings, scratches, etc. Looks kinda nasty in my new shop as dirt and grease has collected in the nicks and such. Given that it wasn't cheap, and the top is still in overall good shape, what would be the best way to refinish it? I would imagine a planer could take a 1/16th or an 1/8 off the top and then I could put a layer of varnish or something on it to keep it looking good. I don't have a planer though... I figured if I sanded it down all the grease and such would just get spread all over. Thoughts?

 

[turbowoodworker]

Is it the maple butcher block or the bamboo type?
If you lack the tools (planes, belt sander, etc.) then your local wood work shop or cabinet shop will likely have a big 36 inch belt sander and they will run it for you for a nominal fee.

 

[James-W]

They may not want to run a top that has finish on it thru their sander, or with a lot of grease and/or oil. It will screw up the sandpaper.

 

[Cyberbear]

Depending on the width and thickness of your bench top, you could possibly remove it and send it through the local high school's wood shop planer, if they have an adult woodworking night class available. Another option would be to simply turn it over and use the underside of the bench top. W/o pictures it is difficult to know what you are up against.

 

[kbs2244]

Get a 4x8 sheet of 1/4 inch "under layment"
It is not meant to be looked at but you can get a good looking wood top for low cost.
Cut to fit and pour poly floor finish over it to get a good thick "flood" coat.