I did not remove the top. i put finish on the 1080 a couple of years ago and have just done on the 800 within last week or so.
I used Danish oil, 1 coat that soaked in almost immediately.
I then used Carnuba way, 2 coats that i buffed immediately after the first coat and half hour later after second coat.
The only reason i put a finish on the MFT's was that I use both as assembly tables. I use wax paper between project and the tables to protect from glue, but you never know when the paper might slip around and eventualy, some glue will contact the table surface. with the wax, the glue never sicks (so far)
Tinker
I haven't put a finish on my MFT, but I do keep a sheet of 1/8" hardboard (masonite) on it when I use it for general prurpose assembly or a finishing table. This also keeps screws and what have you from falling through the holes. I think a 2' x 4' sheet was only 3 or 4 dollars at my local ACE Hardware and this is almost a perfect size.
