What finish for a Beech work bench?

[jamesd]

So i'm nearly at the stage where i'm thinking about putting some sort of oil to protect the wood a bit.

I'm just wandering which would be best to use? I want something to bring out the natural colours and grain in the wood but not change its normal colour at all (i.e not a coloured stain)

There are so many different options on the market now i'm not sure which to go for but these seem to be the main ones:

Osmo oil

Danish oil

Tung oil

 

Which one would be best to use for the sort of finish i want to achieve, i'm new to wood work so any advice is appreciated!

 

Here are a few pictures of my work in progress!

[jamesd]

Apologies last photo some reason is upside down!

[TheHungrySquirrel]

I use osmo top oil natural. Great water resistance and pretty hard wearing.

[jamesd]

I use osmo top oil natural. Great water resistance and pretty hard wearing.

 

Would it be ok for external use? The bench will be in a shed so will get exposed to the elements a bit. I could do with something as hard wearing as possible, and water resistant.

[dirtybiker]

Would it be ok for external use? The bench will be in a shed so will get exposed to the elements a bit. I could do with something as hard wearing as possible, and water resistant.

 

I'd use Fiddles Teak oil for that. Will darken slightly at first but will offer good protection from damp and easy to recoat.

[se7enthdevil]

all oils will enrich the timber colour slightly and i use danish for everything so id say use that.

[jamesd]

all oils will enrich the timber colour slightly and i use danish for everything so id say use that.

 

Ok thanks i will go for that then. Where do you normally buy yours from? I was thinking of going to axminster for it.

 

On another note, before i go ahead and peg it all together do you think i need another short stretcher closer to the bench top?

The second picture shoes the bench upside down with the stretchers that will be about 4inches from the ground.

The top is made up of 4" thick Beech that has 3 stainless rods holding it together.

So i would have thought there would have been enough strength there to not need another short stretcher? just wanted an opinion from someone who has more experience than me!

[se7enthdevil]

no i don't think you need another stretcher underneath the top.

 

i buy mine from the cheapest source i can find.

 

ebay is often a place where people get rid of excess stock for a fairly cheap price and as for brands in my opinion they are all much of a muchness.

 

in the past i've used rustins, suffolk pigments and now have some blackfriars in a 5 litre tin for under £30.

 

 

it's gone up a smidge but is still good value.

Blackfriar Danish Oil 5 Litre Clear *****Free Postage | eBay