Want a durable finish for new work table

[Rick Herrick]

I am close to done on my 4x8 work table top.  Lots of 20mm holes and also a router plate insert with tracks on bottom and both sides.  When I started this project it was just a simple top but its turned in to a lot of monkey'ing around and learning.  So I want it to last.  Its made of the Radiata Pine 3/4" ply from HD.  Not the best but definitely not the worst.

I have only use Min Wax products.  So far most of my projects I have just used the spray on MW Poly.  Works fine, easy to use but does get expensive.  What I want to do is find a new product to try.  Not really looking for stain, just a poly or whatever I can use to give this table a very durable finish.  So anything goes, just want it to apply fairly easily, if possible.  Remember this isn't house furniture, just good ole work shop stuff but this table will used a bunch.  Thank for any tips, suggestions.

 

[DeformedTree]

for simple/cheap,  the Water Based Varathane Poly they sell at HD is nice, and you can wipe on a ton of coats (so some sanding along the way), it dries super fast. 

But anything you do will cause frustration because of the holes.  As you will get poly in the holes, which then changes the size....ugh.

Maybe time to play with some sort of oil finish you re-apply from time to time.

 

[Rick Herrick]

for simple/cheap,  the Water Based Varathane Poly they sell at HD is nice, and you can wipe on a ton of coats (so some sanding along the way), it dries super fast. 

But anything you do will cause frustration because of the holes.  As you will get poly in the holes, which then changes the size....ugh.

Maybe time to play with some sort of oil finish you re-apply from time to time.

Good points.  I had used the Parf system for my holes and I had the initial 3mm holes all over the place.  I had planned to finish the top before I actually did the 20mm holes but got carried away.  The oiling methods sound interesting.  Thanks.