This project was built by Johnny Brooke from Crafted Workshop. If you’re looking for a great way to repurpose hardwood scraps into something both beautiful and functional, Johnny’s method for making end grain cutting boards is a must-see.
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Why Make an End Grain Cutting Board?
End grain cutting boards are highly durable and gentle on knives, making them a popular choice for home chefs. The unique grain pattern not only enhances the board’s strength but also creates a striking visual effect.
Repurposing scrap wood into a cutting board is an efficient way to minimize waste while producing something practical. With the holiday season approaching, this project also makes an excellent handmade gift.
Selecting and Preparing the Wood
For this project, Johnny uses a variety of hardwoods, including walnut, maple, cherry, hickory, and oak. Mixing different wood species allows for interesting color contrasts and patterns.
Before starting, he sorts the wood by type and discards any pieces that are too small or contain defects. Having a well-organized selection helps ensure a smooth assembly process.
Gluing the Initial Blanks
Since the cutting boards will be constructed from multiple pieces, it’s not necessary for every board to start at the same thickness. However, aiming for uniform heights can reduce extra work during the planing process.
Once the wood is arranged in a pattern, Johnny flattens both sides of each blank using a planer. This ensures strong glue joints and minimizes gaps in the final product. Using a food-safe waterproof wood glue, he bonds the pieces together and allows them to dry.
Cutting and Arranging the End Grain Strips
Once the glue has cured, Johnny cuts the glued blanks into strips using a table saw. These strips will be turned 90 degrees to expose the end grain, giving the board its distinct look and durability.
At this stage, he takes time to arrange the pieces in a visually appealing pattern. Any small knots or imperfections are positioned strategically to maintain both aesthetics and function.
Final Glue Up and Flattening
After arranging the strips, Johnny applies a second round of glue and clamps everything securely to form the final board shape. Ensuring the pieces remain flat during this step helps create a strong and level surface.
Once the glue has fully dried, the board needs to be flattened again. Many woodworkers avoid running end grain boards through a planer due to the risk of tear-out. However, Johnny demonstrates a careful approach, taking light passes with sharp blades to reduce the chance of damage.
Sanding and Finishing the Board
Sanding is an important step in achieving a smooth, food-safe surface. Johnny starts with a coarse grit, gradually working up to a finer grit for the best finish.
For any minor gaps or imperfections, he fills them with a mixture of wood glue and sawdust. This technique blends seamlessly with the surrounding wood and improves the board’s overall appearance.
Once smooth, he applies food-safe mineral oil to protect the surface. The oil soaks into the wood, enhancing the grain and providing a natural finish. A second application after 24 hours ensures maximum absorption, and many woodworkers choose to add a wax coating for extra protection.
Final Touches and Practical Upgrades
To improve stability, Johnny adds small rubber feet to the bottom of the cutting board. This prevents movement during use and allows for better airflow when drying.
The final product is a beautiful, handcrafted cutting board that highlights the natural beauty of end grain construction. With proper care, it will last for years and develop even more character over time.
Support Johnny by checking out his woodworking plans.