finish for a rough tool box

[gregh1957]

Hi, I'm looking to fix my Grandfathers old tool chest that he had in the back of his truck. It's pretty rough and I want to keep that character, but the wood is very dry and has been estapol-ed years ago. Here are some pics http://i.imgur.com/xrnrXka.jpg
I am thinking of sanding it back enough to get rid of splinters, dirt, bits of paint(not much) and the flaking estapol, but have no idea what to finish it with. Ideally something that will not change the character, not glossy, not darker. It will be used by my son as a table, so will have plates and beers and hot drinks put on it.
Oils and waxes sound good to me, but as I am no expert at all I'd appreciate advice
thanks, greg

[OldGrain]

Hi. Far from being an expert myself i once had an old tool box not that dissimilar to the character of yours which is just beaut. I grabbed some old engine oil & ragged it over & left it. Ok, so it darkened a bit but i loved the overall finish. And besides oil & beer go hand in hand.Don`t they? ha

[dr4g0nfly]

Not sure about Engine Oil if it's to be used for your son. But definitely Oil, I'd go with Boiled Linseed Oil, It will cure and is easily renewable.

[gregh1957]

Not sure about Engine Oil if it's to be used for your son. But definitely Oil, I'd go with Boiled Linseed Oil, It will cure and is easily renewable.

Thank you both
looks like boiled linseed it is then - I have heard from a NZ friend that they used sump oil on floors to give a nice dark finish, but have had another recommend linseed oil as well
Greg

[Christos]

I would use boiled linseed oil. I have been using this on most of my tools handles and on the lighter woods it has darken a little bit. I suspect that would also be the case with the tool box.

What ever you decide do post photos of the finished tool box.