Making End-Grain Blocks for Christmas Gifts

[DavidCBaker]

I decided to make end-grain cutting blocks for Christmas gifts this year. Since it's only late summer, there was time to make a trial one (inspired by the plans written up on the Wood Whisperer). Even a newbie like me should be able to do this, I figured, since all it takes is accuracy and patience.

I started with a 10' piece each of 8/4 maple and walnut:

But I had to chop two pieces of the walnut to get the required widths:

Next was the thickness planer to 1-5/8":

Then square up one end:

I should have just done it on the Kapex--it was already sitting there. Duh.

Then use the table saw to cut a maple and a walnut piece in each of the four different widths (2-1/4", 1-3/4", 1-1/4", and 3/4") and glue them up in this alternating pattern:

Then run it back through the thickness planer to knock off the high spots where the glue-up didn't exactly match:

Then use the plunge saw and parallel extension guides to cut exactly equal widths (1-1/4") of the whole block:

Then glue up again, but this time flip each piece 90 degrees shortwise to expose the end grain, AND rotate every other piece 180" longwise to create the pattern:

Then sand with the Rotex (120 and 180):

And then the ETS (220):

Then a quick pass with a roundover bit:

Followed by a makeshift jig to route the handholds:

Now it's ready to finish with walnut oil (two coats):

And the finished piece (from the bottom):

Having done one, I should now be able to knock out a dozen of them pretty quickly. I like the look and will experiment with some different woods.

 

[woodguy7]

David

I like the different sizes, gives it a nice look.  The only thing i would change is to make it thicker, say 50mm.  I just like the chunky look on chopping boards.

Nice job though, Woodguy.

 

[mouppe]

Nice job, David. I saw that episode of the wood whisperer but your colours are much better than his purpleheart one. Don't forget to add a few more coats of oil as the board keeps absorbing it. I can see in one photo that there are already areas which need more. There was a saying something like "Once a day for a week, once a month for a year, once a year for life." It was referring to tung oil but you get the jist.

Richard.

 

[DavidCBaker]

The only thing i would change is to make it thicker, say 50mm.  I just like the chunky look on chopping boards.

I like that idea, and it would be easy to do.

 

[DavidCBaker]

Don't forget to add a few more coats of oil as the board keeps absorbing it. I can see in one photo that there are already areas which need more. There was a saying something like "Once a day for a week, once a month for a year, once a year for life." It was referring to tung oil but you get the jist.

It really does soak up that oil. To the tune of about 1/4 bottle per quart!

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Very nice David.  And you really do a great job with pictorial walk-throughs.

Just out of curiosity, what pixel resolution are you cropping your photos to before upload?  They fit perfectly within the forum "width", with my normal screen resolution.

Is that a wireless Mac mouse and keyboard in the second to last photo?  You got a 'puter in the shop?    [big grin]  [big grin]

 

[DavidCBaker]

I'm shooting them at higher resolution, but posting them at 800 max height or width.

Yes, rather than a Tivo or other DVR, I just have an old Mac computer down there and use Slingbox to watch the TV in my office.

 

[Aegwyn11]

Is walnut oil okay to use? I remember reading somewhere that you need to be careful with what kind of oil you use because organic type oils can get into the pores and basically rot, resulting in a stinky, non-hygienic cutting board. Seems like I remember mineral based oils being recommended. Last cutting block I made I used mineral oil...available super cheap at the pharmacy in the laxative section Plenty cheap enough to give a bottle along with the cutting boards.

 

[Aegwyn11]

Oh, and the block looks great! Like someone else said, I'd make it a little chunkier, but looks good!

 

[Neill]

David,

Congrats on completing another really nice project.

My only question is, "When do you sleep?"    [smile]

It seems like between your photography, travel, woodworking and day job you just cannot have any spare time.

Neill

 

[jonny round boy]

David,

A very nice job - I like the contrasting timbers.

One thing though - where you've routed the hand-holds, I don't like the square internal corners. I did some chopping boards a long time ago (using some rubberwood worktop offcuts), and I bought on of these cutters. Without checking, I think it was the largest, 1 1/4" diameter.

I just made a basic jig from an offcut of MDF, and this cutter left a really nice hand-hold, with a radius to the inside corners.

 

[Neill]

David,

I was doing my daily check of the Wood Whisperer's website and noticed that the lead article (07/30/10) was about cutting boards and how cracks can occur in them.  You might want to take a look.

Neill

 

[JJ Wavra]

very nice board and photos.  I would just add make sure you do not give a board with nut oil on it to someone who has an allergy if I remember correctly even the oil can give a reaction.  I also use mineral oil.

Makes me want to get some of those done for gifts!

Jeff

 

[tbellemare]

Excellent board, David! I really like the look.

I made some cutting boards from left over Boos (sink cut out) pieces. One of them does have a crack along the grain. I don't know if it's lack of oil or what. They sure drink the oil at first. The old, once a day for a week - once a week for a month - once a month for a year sure seems true.

I also use mineral oil. It's cheap and doesn't get rancid as was stated earlier.

Tom

 

[windmill man]

David,

Great job on both board and photos.

Below is the same board (from wood whisperer) but in beech and purple heart.

It was made by the youngest lad, James. The photos are for his work based evidence for the last year of his apprenticeship. He took it a bit further by using the board for a top of a (shaker style)  kitchen chopping table. This he made in English oak with purple heart details.

Given time and if he can learn some patience he will make an outstanding craftman, he has the gift. Its good to see craftsmanship going forward into the future.

 

[DavidCBaker]

Thank you for the kind remarks...AND all the good suggestions. I appreciate being part of the community where I can learn.

 

[DavidCBaker]

David,

Congrats on completing another really nice project.

My only question is, "When do you sleep?"    [smile]

It seems like between your photography, travel, woodworking and day job you just cannot have any spare time.

I try hard at work/life balance. I've engineered my day job (speaking, writing, advising) to be done in an efficient number of hours and for enough money that I can play with the rest of the time. It doesn't always work, but when it does, I find that my approach to work is that much better, too.