I'm planning on making a heavy bench top by using six 4"x4"x6' posts, and gluing the faces together with Elmer brand carpenters glue and several large bar/trigger clamps. Afterwards, I'll just manually plane the top and bottom of the board to smooth it out and remove the excess glue.
For the support posts and the bench top, is there a specific type of sealer I should apply that won't compromise the glue's bond? I am installing this in the garage in a humid area, so I'm using a 1" raised post base to keep it off the ground in case of spills:
And then I will be connecting the top half of the support 4×4 posts to the bench top with adjustable deck support brackets so that I can perfectly level the desk in case the top is flat but at an angle, or if the posts aren't cut to the same lengths:
I am also concerned about the sealer causing an interaction with or oxidation of the metal parts.
How should I proceed choosing a sealant/stain? For what it's worth, would tung oil be a good choice?
Thank you.
Best Answer
I'd go to the manufacturer of the wood glue you want to use before you get too far along. Titebond is popular and I've had great luck with it, in their FAQ they have specific instructions for gluing up cedar, before you finish it, due to the oil in cedar.
I think most of them are pretty oil resistant once they cure, especially polyurethane, which is pretty much impervious to everything, which is why it's awful to get on your hands. Cleans off like a tattoo. But polyurethane is a mess to work with, and where it gets on the work surface, you're going to have to sand it off, and it may soak in a ways. No stain or sealer will get past the polyurethane.
Tung oil is very good stuff. I worked for a contractor years ago that did a lot of cedar decks. He liked a mix of turpentine and boiled linseed oil, which was considered old school even back then. Tung oil seems to harden a lot better than linseed oil. I'd prefer it over polyurethane for a work bench. I wouldn't stain a work bench.