O.T. Wood working question

[Mike Amick]

So many great ideas, I think i will saw off the edges like suggested and then go from there. And yes, it is a lift top table and I think I will
unbolt it and then I can even use my table saw. Still leaning towards painting, but I do like the look of real finished wood.

I looked up Glasurits, looks good, not sure I can afford it though.

[tom_d]

While it's perfectly acceptable to seek counsel on this forum, for best results it might be best to confirm with the wife what she would prefer done to the table.

[Paul Alciatore]

What you do depends on the time and money you have available for the project and how much you wish to keep the piece. I too have made furniture pieces for the house. And I also like to use solid wood.

But personally for a rescue like this I would consider plastic laminate (Formica, etc.) I am surprised no one suggested it.

[BCRider]

While it's perfectly acceptable to seek counsel on this forum, for best results it might be best to confirm with the wife what she would prefer done to the table.

Wiser words... wiser words.....

To be fair the paint option would be BY FAR the easy way out.

Stripping, cleaning and repairing to get ready for a clear or stain and clear finish is a LOT of work since there's nothing at all to hide any boo-boos. But yeah, I'm a big fan of clear finished wood too. I even prefer an oil finish over varnish or lacquer. It let's more of the wood's texture to show instead of looking like it's hidden under a layer of plastic wrap. Not as durable of course. Spills need to be dealt with almost as they occur for any chance of not leaving a mark. Although a mix of tung and boiled linseed if applied in a very light rubbed in coat once a year for a few years will build up a very good degree of resistance to most liquids. But in the early days with only a coat or two it's a bit of a risk.

I'm also a big fan of not using stain. Or if I do I always use a stain that is only going to pull the color by a small amount. I find that things look like a lie if we try to make a white sort of wood look like walnut or mahogany. I'd rather have the honesty of the natural color which is only deepened a little by an oil or oil varnish. But that's me. You do you with a strong seasoning of your lady's preference to flavor the project.