Dragline

I have had good success using Fabulon (a waterborn floor finish available at Home Depot Canada). I builds very quickly and seems to penetrate the wood more like an oil-based product. In a warm shop only an hour or so between coats is sufficient. I let it cure about a week or so before rubbing down the finish. It is considerably cheaper for a gallon than similar "name brand" products too.

Note, I use a "lambs wool" applicator just as though I were finishing a floor but scaled to my piece. I apply an even thin coat - and leave it. No further wiping as it sets up quickly. Then re-apply after a light sand in an our or so.

I am traditionally in favour of wipe-on oil and oil/varnish blends - but when the situation calls for it this one is definitely worth a try.

A frisbee sized piece of 1/8" birch plywood recently kicked back on me while at the table saw. This small piece of wood spun back with such force I had a bruise on my upper leg for days. It hit my left hand at the same time. I am certain it would have broken my thumb if it hadn't hit my leg as well.

Tired at the end of day, I stood there in disbelief - how could I have been so careless, and how could such an insignificant piece of wood exact so much destructive force?

The next day I pulled that same piece of wood out of the trash and hung it on my shop wall to remind me to use common sense even in the most routine power tool operations. I also made a crosscut sled...