Looking to create some beautiful, beginner-friendly cutting boards? This step-by-step guide is designed by Ben Grimsley. These cutting boards are not only simple to make but also make perfect gifts.
Materials Needed
- Hardwood (e.g., Black Walnut, Maple, Cherry)
- Titebond III wood glue (waterproof and food-safe)
- Butcher Block finish
- Cutting board conditioner
Tools Required
- Table saw
- Planer (optional)
- Sander (basic sander will do)
- Router (optional for chamfering)
- Cloth for wiping down
Step 1: Select the Right Wood
Begin by selecting hardwoods for your cutting boards. Avoid softwoods like pine, spruce, or cedar. Opt for hardwoods with a tight grain pattern, such as black walnut, maple, or cherry. This helps in minimizing water and bacteria retention.
Step 2: Prepare the Wood
Use scrap wood to create your cutting boards, ensuring they are of different thicknesses and lengths. This is a great way to clean up your shop. Begin by planning the strips to ensure tight joints without gaps.
Step 3: Cut the Strips
Using your table saw, cut the strips to your desired width. For example, if you want your cutting board to be 1.75 inches thick, cut the strips to 1.75 inches. Remember, you will lose some thickness when you run the board through the planer.
Step 4: Glue Up the Strips
For the glue-up, use Titebond III wood glue. It’s essential for the glue to be waterproof and safe for indirect food contact. Apply the glue generously to ensure there are no gaps in the final product.
Step 5: Run Through the Planer
After the glue has dried, run the cutting board blanks through the planer. Leave the edges jagged to prevent snipe, which can occur if the ends are cut to the same length before planing.
Step 6: Trim the Boards
Once planed, trim the boards to your desired final size. You can also add a chamfer along the edges for a professional finish; however, this step is optional.
Step 7: Raise the Grain
To improve the final product, wet the boards down with a damp cloth. This raises the grain, so after it dries, you can sand it again for a smoother finish that lasts longer.
Step 8: Sanding
When sanding, wipe down the boards with a dry cloth between grits to remove dust and prevent swirl marks. Start with a lower grit and work your way up to a finer grit for a smooth finish.
Step 9: Apply the Finish
For the finish, use a food-safe Watco Butcher Block finish. Apply it generously on both sides of the board using finishing triangles for efficiency.
Step 10: Conditioning the Boards
Finally, apply a cutting board conditioner to enhance the feel of the wood and provide extra protection. This step ensures your cutting board has a great finish and lasts longer.
By following these steps, anyone can create beautiful, functional cutting boards that are perfect for personal use or sale. Happy woodworking!