I used Old Masters Gel varnish, applied with a folded Scotts blue shop paper towel and excess wiped with the same. 3 coats. http://www.myoldmasters.com/products-intclear-oilbased-gelpoly.htm
Try a REAL lumber yard or trim shop, if any have survived the invasion of the BORG.
I don't own a machine shop either but I can, and do, turn out work that would make Lie-Neilson jealous. I don't own a jointer because I don't need one.
Sounds like you've been in my shop. -- "We need to make a sacrifice to the gods, find me a young virgin... oh, and bring something to kill" Tim Douglass http://www.DouglassClan.com
Maybe not for a production shop but for the average DIY'er they'll probably last a life time.
#1387 was sitting on the counter in the blacksmith's shop at the old time threshing show I went to today. Several lead hammers to go with it. Rob H. wrote:
But, and this is notable, and obvious after much research, ... .... the best looking women shop at Lowe's.
They are not long enough to reach from the shop to the I truely wish I could say that. ;~) They can reach the other barn but that is a lot
Probably even with my lowly little Paint Shop Pro.
Now getting to the machine shop and back, depending on where you live, that might take some real time.