Should I put a finish on a softwood workbench?

[Col]

Hi,

I'm new to woodworking and my first real project was building a workbench (with a lot of input from Chris Schwartz's workbench book).

So, I now have a heavy softwood bench and am looking for advice on whether to apply any sort of finish to it (after all it's only a workbench but it is now my pride and joy )?

Thanks in advance, Col

 

[Jacob]

Basically no but a bit of linseed oil helps to keep it clean and makes spilt glue etc easier to remove.

 

[AndyT]

Thanks for that Jacob - I've nearly finished a replacement softwood benchtop myself and had decided to oil it for those very reasons. (And at BLO at only £3 for 500ml it's a very economical option!)

 

[Col]

I thought I had already responded but it seeems to be lost in the ether ...

Jacob - thanks for the guidance - even better since I have some left over from another job - now where did I put it for safe keeping :roll:

Col