Cutting butcher block with TS55

[Troll]

I've jointed butchers' block worktop many times, including Ikea.  As others have said the 45 degree cut isn't really the best as shrinkage can be a problem.  If you use a masons' mitre jig then you can end up with the worktop opening up slightly on the radius of the joint.  This is because you have a cross grain situation - one worktop is along the grain (the female joint) and one is across the grain (the male joint).  The latter will expand and contract and sometimes away from the radius of the joint.

I do a straight joint.  On the Ikea work top you knock off one of the 2mm bevels and just put it back on later.  I would never glue this joint (because of the cross grain situation).  Just biscuits, bolts, and some good quality clear silicone.

I've tried cutting these joints with the TS55.  In my experience even with a new blade there is noticeable blade deflection.  I make an initial cut with the TS55 and then just take a whisker off with a router.

Remember to seal all the worktop edges before assembly and allow an expansion gap against the wall.  Also fix down with metal stretcher (expansion) plates in the correct orientation.  Ikea supply the plates with the worktop.

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[ajones]

Hi very clearly written post I can see your reasons for using a straight joint I have never fitted cheaper ikea type woodblock and I have not had any issues.
with any of the tops I have fitted with a masons mitre I have replaced some properly warped cheap tops and some of them you would not believe banana'd

 

[Troll]

Festoolfootstool (great name), I too used to fit butchers' block worktop with a masons' mitre.  With the Magnet (a kitchen supplier) worktops I fitted using the masons' mitre I never had problems with shrinkage at the radius of the join. I did with the Ikea worktops.  After that I switched to the straight joint and in all honesty I think it looks better, and of course the male part of the join can expand both ways (it's not held by the radius).  As a added bonus it's a lot less work to do a straight joint.

The butchers' block worktops look great, and are really practical if customers don't over wet them.  I've only had one warp really bad, it was in my own house!  I must say that those Ikea butchers' block worktops are a great buy at ?60 (GBP).

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[ajones]

I dont know how long it will be before I do another but now I have the domino I might put a domino or two stacked with the narrow setting right behind the mitre
then two more spaced along the top with the wide setting to allow movement from the rear and use silicone rather than glue then bolt it up. I have made a mental note. I just hate that straight joint ;D

festoolfootstool you like the name? lots dont I think its to long for people to type [big grin]