I recently built a Nicholson-style workbench using #2 prime lumber from Home Depot, which I believe is southern yellow pine. I'm considering finishing the top with paste wax after applying some boiled linseed oil, as I'm frustrated with glue, stains, and paint getting stuck on the surface. However, I'm concerned that applying wax might make the bench too slippery for securing workpieces properly. What are the potential downsides of using paste wax for this purpose?
3 Answers
If you're worried about slippage, try adding bench dogs into your workbench. That way, even with a bit of wax, you won’t have to stress too much about your pieces moving around.
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it! Wax can make the surface slick, which might not be great when you're trying to clamp workpieces down. If you still want to do it, just know that over time it can wear off—or you can wipe a lot of it away with mineral spirits. For glue-ups, I just use a thick plastic sheet over my bench to catch all the mess instead!
I think you can go ahead and use the wax! Just keep in mind that depending on where you live, the wood available at Home Depot can vary. For example, in Oregon, they mostly have Fir instead of SYP. If it turns out too slippery, you can always sand the wax off. Better to try it and see!
I’m in the Southeast and I can confirm we usually get SYP. Just sounds like a useful option!