just completed my new workbench and I thingk that it turned out
pretty good. You can see it he

http://www.arealnice.com/shop/

Sweet!

I have a very similar bench (traditional maple monter) I used a 3:2:2 mix of
OB Poly, BLO and thiner ... 3 coats then paste wax. I have been pleased.

Simple, cheap, stuff was on-hand. I was looking for a compromise of
protection but without much build. I suppose a wip-on poly would get me to
about the same place.

The wax is top repel glue or finish drips. some folks prefer a not so slippy
top. Personally I think benefits outweigh the downside. YMMV.

FWIW, I releveled the top after 3 years a few months back. I applied the
same finish.

-Steve