Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
My Woodworking Plans jonpeters.com/collections/plans
Happy Father’s Day all! I'm having a 40% off Sale on all my woodworking plans now through Monday.
Just use the coupon code FATHERSDAY at checkout to grab your favorite plans at a discount.
My Woodworking Plans jonpeters.com/collections/plans
This old bench.
Every project has a life of its own — and often, it's not the one you originally imagined. Some pieces take on a journey, growing with you, moving with you, and sometimes waiting patiently for their moment to shine again. Here's one such story.
About ten years ago — before epoxy river tables and long before I ever had a sponsor — I made a simple bench. The base was raw iron, salvaged from the attic of an old house in Vermont that we lived in at the time. For the top, I used white oak, finishing it with wipe-on polyurethane.
Back then, the bench was built for utility — a spot in the entryway where the kids could sit to put their boots on before heading outside. It was a part of daily life.
Years passed, and when we eventually sold the house, the bench came with us to New Jersey. We didn’t have space for it inside, so it ended up out front. As you might guess, the wipe-on poly didn’t hold up long outdoors. In a pinch, I gave it a quick coat of black paint — not perfect, but it kept it going.
Fast forward to just the other day — the paint had faded and peeled, and my wife Laurel asked if I could do something about it. Good timing, because I had just received my new 15" Oliver planer (you might’ve seen the video I posted yesterday — if not, check it out!).
youtu.be/6f2kPIDZo9Y?si=cpBqdQ-ZWu26HFp0
.While removing the bench seat, I was happy to see the cherry brackets I had made years ago were still solid. A few passes through the planer brought the oak back to life. I trimmed the edges, and softened the corners, and this time I used TotalBoat Gleam spar varnish — my go-to for outdoor projects these days.
The iron base got a fresh coat of black paint, and just like that — this bench, now a decade old, looks and feels like new again.
It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years already. Time really does fly. These old projects remind me that even simple builds can have lasting stories — if you give them the care and attention they deserve.
Wishing you all a great weekend — and a Happy Father’s Day.
All the best,
Jon
Instagram: instagram.com/jonpeters_
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Art-Home-by-Jon-Peters/312021729836
Website: jonpeters.com
Subscribe to my other YouTube Channels:
Jon Peters Shop Talk: youtube.com/c/JonPetersArtChannel
Make It In Vermont: youtube.com/channel/UCRla1KkfYs9TSaz5B7doK-Q
Two River TV: youtube.com/channel/UCxW4iVALiHXASzPII1UIvrA
Apparel: Mountain Khakis
Shop Mountain khakis here mountainkhakis.com
Use code JON30 To save 30% on any style
#DIY, #woodworking,#homeimprovement
Click this link for the discount: jonpeters.com/discount/FATHERSDAY
My Woodworking Plans jonpeters.com/collections/plans
Happy Father’s Day all! I'm having a 40% off Sale on all my woodworking plans now through Monday.
Just use the coupon code FATHERSDAY at checkout to grab your favorite plans at a discount.
My Woodworking Plans jonpeters.com/collections/plans
This old bench.
Every project has a life of its own — and often, it's not the one you originally imagined. Some pieces take on a journey, growing with you, moving with you, and sometimes waiting patiently for their moment to shine again. Here's one such story.
About ten years ago — before epoxy river tables and long before I ever had a sponsor — I made a simple bench. The base was raw iron, salvaged from the attic of an old house in Vermont that we lived in at the time. For the top, I used white oak, finishing it with wipe-on polyurethane.
Back then, the bench was built for utility — a spot in the entryway where the kids could sit to put their boots on before heading outside. It was a part of daily life.
Years passed, and when we eventually sold the house, the bench came with us to New Jersey. We didn’t have space for it inside, so it ended up out front. As you might guess, the wipe-on poly didn’t hold up long outdoors. In a pinch, I gave it a quick coat of black paint — not perfect, but it kept it going.
Fast forward to just the other day — the paint had faded and peeled, and my wife Laurel asked if I could do something about it. Good timing, because I had just received my new 15" Oliver planer (you might’ve seen the video I posted yesterday — if not, check it out!).
youtu.be/6f2kPIDZo9Y?si=cpBqdQ-ZWu26HFp0
.While removing the bench seat, I was happy to see the cherry brackets I had made years ago were still solid. A few passes through the planer brought the oak back to life. I trimmed the edges, and softened the corners, and this time I used TotalBoat Gleam spar varnish — my go-to for outdoor projects these days.
The iron base got a fresh coat of black paint, and just like that — this bench, now a decade old, looks and feels like new again.
It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years already. Time really does fly. These old projects remind me that even simple builds can have lasting stories — if you give them the care and attention they deserve.
Wishing you all a great weekend — and a Happy Father’s Day.
All the best,
Jon
Instagram: instagram.com/jonpeters_
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Art-Home-by-Jon-Peters/312021729836
Website: jonpeters.com
Subscribe to my other YouTube Channels:
Jon Peters Shop Talk: youtube.com/c/JonPetersArtChannel
Make It In Vermont: youtube.com/channel/UCRla1KkfYs9TSaz5B7doK-Q
Two River TV: youtube.com/channel/UCxW4iVALiHXASzPII1UIvrA
Apparel: Mountain Khakis
Shop Mountain khakis here mountainkhakis.com
Use code JON30 To save 30% on any style
#DIY, #woodworking,#homeimprovement
Click this link for the discount: jonpeters.com/discount/FATHERSDAY
