On Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:37:12 PM UTC-5, Colin Campbell wrote:
I've just applied a second coat of Minwax Golden Oak stain on new red
oak, and I'm delighted with the results. In order to protect the finish,
does the assembled wisdom suggest a rub down with something like paste
wax, or should I go to a polyurethane coating? The piece is an entry
table, my major project in my 3rd year apprentice program, and the top is
a cast concrete slab with a line drawing of a carpenter's arms running a
plane. My tastes, I freely confess, run to the classic, old fashioned,
and some might say antiquated. The wax would be closer to my taste, but
perhaps the poly is better.

Cheers, and advTHANKSance
Colin

On a project like this, which is to put you and your skills on display, follow your gut. Also, always consider the likelihood of wear on the surface. The top is always takes the most wear, but that slab is not going to have a problem. Assuming you seal it somehow, water stains, etc will just not be a worry. The case and legs, especially the legs, will get the occasional bump or scratch, but a quick rewax and you are good to go,