Need carpenters advice

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[project240]

If you're just looking for a simple workstation, I think a solid oak door would suit your needs just fine.

As far as staining goes, I wouldn't recommend minwax, unless you buy the gel stain. It covers fairly well and is pretty forgiving/easy to apply.

General Finishes stain from Lee Valley http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=64181&cat=1,190,42942 is a very good product. Oak wood takes stain fairly evenly, however, it's a good idea to raise the wood fibers by misting the surface with water, then a light sand before staining.

Also, assuming you want a tough, durable surface, I'd recommend applying a surface finish after your stain. I personally use Arm R Seal http://www.generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-top-coats/arm-r-seal-urethane-topcoat for a lot of my projects. The only place I've found in Calgary that sells it is a furniture place by Lee Valley (can't think of the name, but they sell unfinished furniture)

If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask.

[cancer man]

I used 4x4 posts untreated pine drilled 3/4" holes and wooden dowels to hold them together with a layer of PL400 in between.
Sand the top apply stain or cover it with stainless steel sheet.
Last forever.

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[Ntense_SpecV]

Sounds nice.
What filler did you use for the joint? I want to do something very similar as I moved and now have no workbence in my new garage. Any tips from doing this. I am in the middle of refurbishing my parents old deck furniture, using only a little work mate...really could use a work bench however.

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[ExtraSlow]

Lookin' sharp man, nice job. :thumbsup: