Any question answered...

Also is it worth the extra 15% for 'pre-oiled'?

No. Best to oil a new worktop after installation as it will give you a uniform finish across the whole worktop.

Plus you will need to re oil it over the lifespan of the worktop so best to start early!

Worktop express are pretty good in my experience as are solid surface kitchens.

There are always customers who have had bad experiences with companies like this, so unless there are lots of very recent negative reviews you should be ok.

I can't speak to weather it would be worthwhile buying it on a credit card other than to say the more protection the better.

Thank you mate; much appreciated. Basically looking at 500 for 40mm oak which is less than 20% more than some local laminate quotes and a 40% less than Howdens trade price for the seemingly most similar product. Ok, will choose between those two and not pre-oil, though make sure we do within a few days of installation.

Many thanks

It may also be worth checking out Howdens although you will need to find someone in the trade with an account to buy anything from them on your behalf.

See above!!

Ah, hadn't refreshed!

Will pull the trigger with worktop express.
£495 delivered for solid oak
2000x620x40
3000x620x40
2000x960x40

Will have a bit left over for shelves and a chopping board!

I’d say no as well, and would add that mineral oil has worked very well for us (John Boos, manufacturer recommended). Obviously non-drying, needs application basically once a day for a week, once a week for a month and then once yearly or whenever it looks a little dry.

Many thanks - mineral oil I have for general bikery!!

Bikery? Interesting.

Haha! I'll expect to see it in the OED next year. My wife calls it 'Bike shit' or Bike related crap' whereas I go for 'bikery'. Erm, (from my wife)what about the underside of the worktop and oiling?

Many thanks - mineral oil I have for general bikery!!

Danish oil on mine in those pics. It darkened quite after a couple of coats a lot as it was delivered un-oiled too.

There's always at least 1 chopping boards worth that comes out of any worktop install

Well a hob and sink insert plus 200x900 on the breakfast bar and about 500x600 from worktops so quote excited about some matching shelves and chopping boards for sure.

Thanks again

One last (almost certainly a lie) thing!

We're keen to pay a very modest amount extra for ellipse edge (we have toddlers) on the breakfast bar and a radius edge on the one other head splitter. only thing is they insist on pre-oil any worktop that is to have a bespoke edging. Should I go for it or (considering everyone who's contributed says not to pre-oil) oil post installation and get my fitter to edge the worktop as required?

Ha yeah, but also wondering what the bikery applications for mineral oil are - hydraulics?

Yeah, Shimano, bit also I like it for servicing wheels; just a little drop for bearings/freehubs is ideal

Your fitter should be able to do all of the above, but may charge a bit extra for it.
Possibly not as much as 15%. Can't understand why they would insist on pre-oil.

I have solid wood worktops with a standard edge as well as toddlers and it is fine.

Actually the pre-oil and radius edge is only about 10% - the rationale (according to the website) is "pre-oiling is required a standard on any customised worktops, in order to adequately seal them following cutting and help prepare them for installation"

Did it start with the charged/replacement battery?

Glow plugs done?
Airbags. Red herring or fault?

So,
Wouldn't charge.
Tried to jump - not start initially when radio worked as did door, not boot Central locking) and still misbehaving BUT less weird relay ticking (more like normal pre-ignition routine) AND then a feeble attempt to turn over when tried to start (previously nothing). Have home start recovery coming tomorrow who I pray can try a new battery or check connection etc. Desperately hoping it's a dodgy earth or battery #prayforNemo

Earth is pretty dodgy.

So I've heard!!

👍 Being as the battery was only 10.something volts and wouldn't charge. One of the cells has failed.

It will never have enough voltage for the ECUs or power for starting a diesel... New battery will probably sort its non running issue and disco dash, but it would be worth while checking the alternator voltage to make sure it is actually charging the battery whilst running, as you don't want to kill the new battery.