Crosscut sled deck

[mhoney]

Hello everyone. I am new to the forums and am very happy to have found this wonderful resource.

I am wondering what might be suggested for a finish on my newly constructed crosscut sled. I have some Helmsman indoor/outdoor spar urethane and some water based Minwax Polycrylic protective finish. Which do you think will last longer or should I go with something completely different? I am putting this on Birch plywood.

One other question if you don't mind. Since I countersunk holes from the top I have some cavities to fill in to make the top absolutely flush with the rest of the board. Should I use wood filler or can I just puddle up whatever might be suggested for the finish in those holes and sand smooth?

Marc
Marquette, MI

[switt775]

Hello everyone. I am new to the forums and am very happy to have found this wonderful resource.

I am wondering what might be suggested for a finish on my newly constructed crosscut sled. I have some Helmsman indoor/outdoor spar urethane and some water based Minwax Polycrylic protective finish. Which do you think will last longer or should I go with something completely different? I am putting this on Birch plywood.

One other question if you don't mind. Since I countersunk holes from the top I have some cavities to fill in to make the top absolutely flush with the rest of the board. Should I use wood filler or can I just puddle up whatever might be suggested for the finish in those holes and sand smooth?

Marc
Marquette, MI

My approach would be to not put any finish on it at all. You are going to use it on the table saw, so not likely to get splattered with anything. If you feel the need to finish it anyway, I'd keep clear of anything too shiny (which translates to slippery).

[Big Shed]

I finished mine with a couple of applications of Ubeaut Traditional Wax, the happy fat for woodworkers.

Seriously good stuff, for jigs, tablesaw tops, Triton Maxi extension table rails and whatever else you can think of.

[jerryc]

Welcome Marc,

I think you'll find this forum a good place to visit. The guys here are very helpful when you need help.

I don't know what the climate is like where you are and what extremes of humidity and temperature you may experience. With that in mind I find a liberal application of boiled linseed oil protects wood and is easy to refinish as it soaks in.

Jerry

[artme]

Welcome to this madhouse of miscreants,the wise, the witty and the fallible?
You want help here? You'll get in good measure.
Your question will have as many answers as there are forumites who answer minus one because I haven't got a bloody clue. Now that's a good thing because I am yet to build a new sled specifically for my Jet TS.

[watson]

G'day Marc,
Welcome,
Like Big Shed, I also use Traditional wax , above and below all my sleds..........the advertising blurb says it will not show fingerprints or gather dust....doesn't either......the important point here is that dust can just be blown/wiped/brushed off the top of the sled.......and on the bottom it keeps the runners "running"