I have been using the epoxy method as per Art's coaching. His quick comments above make it sound perhaps easier than it is. The sanding stage takes time to get a perfectly even coat of epoxy (and not sand through in spots.) You are sanding epoxy, after all. But it does create a fine finish that I am sure will be extremely durable.

The two stocks below are my efforts; the one on the left is epoxy on English walnut, the one on the right is a oil/poly sanded in slurry finish that I did maybe 15 years ago. In thinking back on it, I am sure that the sanded in finish took more time.

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