This project was built and designed by Caleb from Caleb’s Fine Woodworking. It’s an intricate end grain cutting board that combines smart joinery with a creative, optical illusion design inspired by middle school students.
The board features walnut, maple, cherry, and African mahogany—each selected from larger off-cuts from past builds. Not only does this reduce waste, but it adds a personal touch to a piece that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
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The Story Behind the Design
What makes this project truly unique is its origin. Caleb was sent a video from his former math teacher, who had challenged his seventh-grade class to create 3D drawings. One of those student-generated designs became the foundation for this cutting board’s pattern.
It’s a perfect example of how creative inspiration can come from unexpected places. With the help of these sketches, Caleb set out to turn student concepts into a physical object that reflects both craftsmanship and imagination.
Preparing the Wood
The process begins by selecting suitable off-cuts in walnut, maple, cherry, and African mahogany. These pieces are rough-cut and then milled down into more manageable sizes.
Letting the boards rest for a few days after the initial chopping helps prevent unwanted movement later on. This step is especially important in precision projects like this one, where every angle must line up perfectly.
Flattening and Dimensioning
Once the lumber has rested, it’s planed to a consistent thickness to ensure uniformity. Caleb then uses a table saw to square the ends and rip the boards to their final widths.
Clean edges and accurate measurements at this stage are critical, since they set the tone for a seamless glue-up later. Every cut must be square and repeatable to preserve the 3D illusion in the final piece.
Shaping for the Illusion
To create the Four Towers visual effect, certain boards are cut at 45-degree angles—specifically the walnut, cherry, and African mahogany pieces. The maple strips are left with straight edges to contrast with the angled cuts.
This angled design is what gives the cutting board its dimensional depth. Patience is key here, since any inaccuracy in the angles can throw off the entire pattern during assembly.
Gluing with Precision
During glue-up, Caleb uses a helpful masking tape trick. By laying the pieces face down and taping them along the seams, he creates a kind of hinge that allows the panel to fold together in one smooth motion.
This technique minimizes slipping and helps the pieces stay aligned while clamping. It’s a small but effective method that results in crisp glue lines and a flat surface.
Layering the Build
After the first glue-up is complete, the board is trimmed to size and prepped for additional segments. Caleb repeats the cutting and gluing steps, building out the design layer by layer.
Once assembled, the board is trimmed with a bandsaw to refine the overall shape. It’s then drum-sanded to remove high spots and bring out the end grain pattern, creating a smooth and durable surface suitable for kitchen use.
Finishing the Details
With the sanding complete, Caleb rounds over the edges of the cutting board to give it a more comfortable feel in hand. These rounded edges also help reduce the risk of chipping and provide a finished appearance.
A food-safe mineral oil is applied generously across the board’s surface. This enhances the natural colors of the wood and adds essential protection against moisture and everyday use in the kitchen.
A Tribute to Collaboration
More than just a woodworking project, this board represents the connection between craftsmanship and creativity across different generations. Caleb took inspiration from seventh-grade students and turned their artwork into something tangible and practical.
Special credit goes to his former teacher, Derek Johnson, and his students for sharing their designs. Their input sparked a project that not only resulted in a beautiful cutting board but also highlighted the power of creative thinking and collaboration.
Final Thoughts
This Four Towers 3D end grain cutting board is a project that blends technical skill with a strong sense of story. It’s ideal for woodworkers who want to push their limits with angled cuts and multi-step glue-ups, while also creating something visually striking.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen tools or try something new in the shop, this project offers both challenge and reward.
Please support Caleb by visiting his website: https://www.calebscustomwoodworks.com/.