Gordster;
This is how I finish the out side of all my boxes including these band saw boxes:
I shape and sand the box to 120 grit with a hand held random orbital sander.
I then brush on a lacquer based sanding sealer. Lacquer or shellac also work well. Next day, I sand it all down with 170 grit. Tack clean with a cloth, damp with mineral sprits. Allow to dry an hour. I then use a finish from Rustolium rattle can I get at Lowes or Walmart for about $3.75 a can. It is called "clear finish" I use the gloss but they also offer a satin finish. One can will finish at least five boxes or more, giving them four or five coats each. Sometimes I apply paste wax a day or two later. This does not change the shine much but makes the box feel smoother to the touch.
