This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. Using fire-damaged Rosewood and a touch of figured Maple, Billy turns a rough piece of wood into a functional and beautiful cheese board with a sliding tray for serving accessories.
The build combines repurposing techniques with fine joinery, highlighting how even damaged materials can become something elegant. It’s a great example of creative woodworking with a practical result.
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From Burned to Beautiful
What sets this project apart is the story behind the materials. Billy begins with a piece of Rosewood that had been damaged in a fire—split, charred, and rough on the edges.
Rather than tossing it out, he sees potential in the wood’s natural character. With some careful planning and attention to detail, he uses those flaws to give the final board a unique look that wouldn’t be possible with fresh lumber.
Choosing Contrasting Woods
To bring out the depth of the Rosewood, Billy adds a lighter figured Maple to the design. The combination of light and dark wood tones creates strong visual contrast and enhances the overall appearance of the piece.
The Maple is used for the top surface of the serving board, which frames the darker Rosewood base and makes the sliding tray more noticeable and functional.
Milling and Preparing the Pieces
Billy begins by cutting the Rosewood into uniform sections, ensuring the grain flows continuously across the width of the board. This step improves both aesthetics and stability.
He uses a dado stack to cut a central channel that will house the sliding tray. A stop block setup ensures clean, repeatable passes on the table saw, and extra care is taken due to the Rosewood’s density.
Building the Sliding Tray
Once the base is cut and milled, Billy cuts the board into three parts to construct the tray. Rabbit joints are added to the edges, allowing the tray to slide smoothly in and out beneath the main board.
This approach adds hidden functionality while keeping the design clean and compact. To help elevate the tray slightly and improve access, Billy adds a stand that doubles as a spacer between the drawer and the surface.
Enhancing the Design with Small Details
Before gluing anything up, Billy sands all parts thoroughly, especially in tight corners that would be difficult to reach after assembly. This early sanding step improves the finish and saves time later.
He also designs a custom template to hold the cheese knives inside the tray. This adds a level of organization and gives the final product a more polished, thoughtful appearance.
Applying a Safe, Durable Finish
Once the board is fully assembled and sanded, Billy applies a food-safe butcher block oil to bring out the natural grain and protect the surface. The oil deepens the tones in both the Rosewood and Maple, creating a rich finish that’s safe for food use.
This step not only improves durability but also adds visual warmth, turning the board from “nice” to “showpiece.”
Practical Add-Ons for Everyday Use
To keep the board stable during use, Billy adds a silicone mat to the underside. This non-slip base keeps the board steady on any surface, especially when opening the tray or serving guests.
It’s a simple feature that adds real value, showing how thoughtful design goes beyond just looks.
A Serving Board with a Story
This build is more than just a tray—it’s a demonstration of resourcefulness and creativity. By turning a charred offcut into a high-end serving piece, Billy reminds us that the best woodworking projects often start with overlooked materials.
The combination of salvaged wood, clean joinery, and smart finishing techniques makes this a memorable project with lasting usefulness.
Why This Project Is Worth Trying
For woodworkers looking to test new skills, this build is a great challenge. It involves joinery, router work, shaping, and finish prep—all in a relatively compact package.
It also opens the door to working with less-than-perfect materials, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving. The final result is not just a conversation piece, but a functional item you’ll be proud to use or give as a gift.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.