Shellac vs. Poly?

[Rich Engelhardt]

I noticed that a lot of people have projects in which they used shellac and wax. Is there an added benefit to this over a polyurathane

Shellac and wax &/or a natural oil varnish & wax has a "pick me up and hold me" quality that poly doesn't.

Some woods, such as walnut, lose a lot also under the plastic-ey looking poly film.
Natural finishes, such as shellac &/or oils, tend to bring out the warmth of the wood.

[Jerome Hanby]

Shellac also has a great feel when you touch it. Kind of silly but one of the favorite things in my shop is the stick that I stir my can of shellac with (not de-waxed). It has this lovely build up that's just wonderful to touch...