This project was built and designed by Nick Starrett from Nick’s Custom Woodworks. It’s a clean and simple edge grain cutting board made from scrap walnut and maple—an ideal woodworking project for turning offcuts into something beautiful and functional.
Whether you’re new to woodworking or have a few projects under your belt, cutting boards are a great way to practice precision and finishing techniques. Plus, they make excellent gifts or additions to your own kitchen.
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Choosing the Right Wood
Nick starts with hardwood scraps, using walnut and maple for contrast. Tight-grained hardwoods are ideal for cutting boards because they’re less likely to absorb moisture or trap food particles.
If scrap wood isn’t available, many lumber yards sell small offcuts at discounted prices. It’s a budget-friendly way to find quality materials for smaller projects like this.
Preparing the Boards
The first step is cutting all pieces to the same length using a miter saw. This helps ensure the boards align properly during glue-up and avoids uneven edges.
Each piece is then ripped to a consistent width on the table saw. Uniform sizing makes the layout more predictable and improves the fit of the final board.
To prepare for assembly, Nick runs the pieces through a planer to flatten both sides. Properly milled boards reduce gaps and help the glue joints bond more effectively.
Laying Out and Gluing Up
After milling, the pieces are arranged in a pattern that alternates wood species for visual interest. Even spacing and careful orientation go a long way in the final appearance.
Wood glue is applied to the edges, and clamps are tightened evenly to create a strong bond. It’s important to apply just enough pressure to close the gaps without causing the glue to squeeze out excessively.
Nick lets the panel cure overnight before moving on to the next steps. A solid glue-up provides the foundation for a long-lasting cutting board.
Smoothing the Surface
Once the glue has dried, the board is either planed again or sanded with a random orbital sander. Starting with a coarse grit helps remove excess glue and levels out the surface.
Nick gradually works his way up to finer grits to achieve a smooth finish. Care is taken to remove any snipe marks that may have been left by the planer.
Trimming to Final Dimensions
The edges are trimmed using a table saw, ensuring the cutting board is square and clean on all sides. This gives it a sharp, finished look and makes future maintenance easier.
A uniform shape also helps with later finishing steps, such as applying a roundover or sanding the corners. Small adjustments here make a big difference in the final product.
Edge Cleanup and Grain Raising
To soften the edges, Nick uses a router with a round-over bit. If a router isn’t available, sanding by hand can produce similar results with a bit more time.
After shaping the edges, he wipes the board with a damp cloth to raise the grain. This step prepares the surface for the final sanding pass, helping to ensure the smoothest finish possible.
Final Sanding and Finish
Once the board is dry, a final sanding is done using 220 grit sandpaper. This creates an ultra-smooth surface that’s ready for food-safe finishes.
Nick applies several coats of mineral oil, letting each one soak in for about 20 minutes. The oil brings out the natural grain and protects the board from moisture.
To finish, he applies a thin layer of wax for additional protection and a light sheen. This combo of oil and wax is a reliable, food-safe solution that holds up well with regular use.
Final Thoughts
Edge grain cutting boards are one of the most satisfying projects for woodworkers of any level. They’re easy to personalize, durable, and functional, making them a go-to shop project.
This build is a great way to get comfortable with glue-ups, joinery, and finishing. It’s also a useful item that will be appreciated in any kitchen.
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