In this project, Johnny Brooke from Crafted Workshop shows you exactly how to make chaotic end grain cutting boards that are perfect for gifting or personal use. This guide will take you step by step through the process of creating stunning boards that can enhance any kitchen.
Step 1: Gather and Sort Your Wood
Start by collecting your scrap hardwood. In this project, Johnny purchased a pile of scrap wood for $40 and sorted through it, discarding any unusable pieces. The selected woods included cherry, walnut, maple, hickory, and padauk. He set aside oak due to its open grain structure.
Step 2: Create Blanks
Break down the wood into blanks. The thickness of the wood doesn’t matter since it will be glued, sliced, and turned. Aim for uniform height in the blanks to minimize planing time later. Johnny created seven unique blanks from his scraps.
Step 3: Plane the Blanks
Once the blanks are prepared, pass them through the planer to create flat surfaces. This is crucial for a good glue joint. After planing, glue the pieces together using Titebond III, a food-safe waterproof glue.
Step 4: Flatten After Gluing
After the glue dries, flatten the blanks. Use a planer to ensure both sides are flat. Since Johnny’s jointer was not wide enough, he relied on his planer to achieve the necessary flatness.
Step 5: Cut the Blanks into Strips
With the blanks flat, it’s time to cut them into strips. Johnny aimed for a final thickness of 2 inches, so he cut 2 1/8 inch strips to allow for surfacing after gluing.
Step 6: Arrange and Glue the Strips
Arrange the strips in their final orientation, ensuring any imperfections face down. Glue the strips together, keeping them flat to avoid wasted material.
Step 7: Final Flattening
After the glue has dried, flatten the board one last time. This step can be controversial, as some woodworkers advise against using a planer for end grain boards. However, Johnny shared his method of taking light passes with sharp blades to minimize risk.
Step 8: Sanding
Next, it’s time for sanding—lots of sanding! Start with 80 grit and work your way up to 180 grit to remove any tool marks. Fill any gaps with a mixture of wood glue and sawdust if needed.
Step 9: Apply the Finish
For finishing, Johnny opted for mineral oil, which is food safe and easy to apply. Pour it on, wipe it in, and allow it to soak in. Repeat the process after 24 hours for best results.
Step 10: Add Rubber Feet and Enjoy!
Finally, add rubber feet to the bottom of the cutting boards. With that, your beautiful chaotic end grain cutting boards are ready for use or gifting!
These cutting boards turned out beautifully, and Johnny encourages others to try making them. Whether for personal use or as holiday gifts, this project is sure to impress!