This stunning live edge charcuterie board was designed and created by Jesse from Penalty Box Woodshop, and it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests with your craftsmanship. This step-by-step guide will help you create a beautiful serving tray that showcases meats, cheeses, and fruits.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Materials Needed
- Air-dried walnut (or any hardwood)
- Epoxy resin (hazelnut colored tint)
- Wood finish (like Howard’s or Walrus oil)
Tools Required
- Chisel
- Jigsaw
- Planer and planer sled
- Spindle sander or palm sander
- Drill press with Forstner bit
- Router
- Sanding paper (80 to 220 grit)
- Spray bottle
Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Wood
Start by choosing a piece of air-dried walnut that has some character, such as live edges or wormholes. Cut the board to your desired size; for this project, about 33 inches works well. If the board is too wide for your jointer, use a planer sled with shims to flatten it.
Step 2: Filling Wormholes
After flattening your board, use epoxy with a hazelnut tint to fill in any wormholes. This adds character to your board while ensuring a smooth surface.
Step 3: Designing the Handle
Next, lay out the design for your handle. This is where you can get creative! Use circle cut-offs to help trace the comfortable width of the handle. Once satisfied, clamp the board and cut out the handle with a jigsaw.
Step 4: Smoothing Edges
After cutting the handle, use a spindle sander to smooth all edges. If you don’t have a spindle sander, a palm sander will also work effectively.
Step 5: Drilling a Thumb Hole
At the end of the handle, use a Forstner bit to drill a thumb hole. This not only looks nice but also makes it easier to hang the board for storage.
Step 6: Final Sanding
Sand the entire board, starting with 80 grit and moving up to 220 grit for a smooth finish. Use a spray bottle to mist the board before the final sanding to raise the grain, ensuring a smooth surface.
Step 7: Applying Finish
Now for the best part! Apply an all-natural finish like Howard’s or Walrus oil. Allow the first coat to dry before wiping off excess and applying a second coat to enhance the walnut’s beauty.
Step 8: Completion
After buffing out the final coat, your live edge charcuterie board is complete! This simple one-day project is a wonderful addition to any gathering.
