I am in the process of building a new router table for my new Jessem Mast-R-Lift II. I have a very sturdy maple sub-structure that will hold the lift and the MDF surface. The lift and the router will be very well supported.
I am considering my options for finishing the table top. I know many people use a formica laminate attached with contact cement. My problem with it is that I really don't want to buy a 4x8 sheet of this stuff for my 2x3 router table. I will not really have a use for the remainder and don't want to use it if I don't have to. Would I be cheating myself by not going with the laminate top? Could I just put a good, bullet-proof finish directly on the MDF instead to protect the top? Do I need to finish it at all?
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.