What should I do with my bench?

[Lost Road]

I purchased a Lyon bench from a local tool auction. The bench has a vintage paint job, but most of the work surface is bare metal. The bench was kept outside until the auction, and the bare surface has begun to rust. I was thinking about stripping the paint off of the work surface and clear coating it. I am going to use it as my primary work surface for gold smithing (I make wedding bands), so I don't want to use a petroleum oil on it. Are there any recommendations as to how I should strip it, the paint and the rust, and what I should use to seal it? Thanks! I'll post some pics once I unload it. This is the second Lyon bench in my garage. I love the things!

 

[lauver]

lost,

A photo of the Lyon bench would help.

 

[Lost Road]

I'll post pics in a bit, when I get to my computer. Wouldn't work from my phone.

 

[Kevin54]

Go to the box store, get some aircraft stripper and strip it that way if there is a lot of paint. Or if you have some air tools, sand it down with a DA, strip the top, then just repaint the table. You can sand down and paint or clear the top. Or get a section of Butcher Block and put over the top of the bench, then pick up a small piece of stainless sheet to do your soldering on.

And I have to agree with you....Lyons benches are a great addition to any garage.

 

[astroracer]

I use Metal Ready to clean and protect bare metal surfaces. It's made by POR Industries.
http://www.por15bc.com/metal_ready_faq's.htm
I used it on this bench top that I built last summer.
Piece of 1/4" plate as purchased. A little rusty...

After a bit of cleaning and a couple of hits with ScotchBrite and some Metal Ready.

The Metal Ready leaves a phosphorus coating that inhibits rust. This is the same top last weekend. It hasn't been touched in a couple of months, as you can see there is zero rust.

Mark

 

[alex71]

Grind to bare metal, apply paste wax.