Wood movement question

[greenleaf]

Hello
I am relatively new to the FOG but I enjoy reading all the post on a regular basis.

I have been working on an end grain cutting board this weekend I my garage. It's winter here in Michigan and we a few inches of snow on the ground. I have a small heater in there but I only run it when I'm working.
Anyways. I got all the pieces glued up, cut and glued up again.
I spent a few hours sanding the end grain. I was getting fairly happy and excited with the results.
I brought it into the house to show my wife.
I left it on the stairs for a few hours. Later I took it back out to the garage and I notice the board warped and one of the glue joints opened up.
I could use some advice. I'm not sure what to do next.
Is it going to be a problem leaving projects in the unheated garage?
Thanks

 

[thebicyclecafe]

How thick was the board, and how long was the board clamped and allowed to dry? If made too thin, those things can be extremely sensitive to changes in humidity, which is affected by your heater and temperature. All the exposed end grain makes the wood react pretty violently to moisture, as it absorbs water very, very quickly compared to say, an edge grain board.

 

[RJNeal]

I have made 50 plus end grain cutting boards. After the second gluing I rough sand  with and belt sander and then let them sit for a few weeks. Then I go to final sanding. I usually let them sit a bit longer some time you can feel the glue proud of the wood.

I once took 3 finish boards to a kitchen shop and place them on their counter. The next day I went in to tall with the purchaser.
She told me that there was a problem with the top board, that it was warped. I told her no problem I will exchange it as I notice that their overhead heater was faced toward the same counter
Four weeks later it was flat again and sold!
Good luck
Rick

 

[tjbnwi]

What glue are you using? It needs to be an FDA approved waterproof glue, a cutting board is an indirect food contact product.

Oil the board with food grade mineral oil, let it settle.

Not sure if I am to fond of the end grain "idea" yet, still researching it.

Tom

 

[bpitch]

I have had similar issues with warping if left for quite a long time after gluing, etc until one gentleman recommended me packing pieces in big black trash bags (I assume your boards are not tabletop size, though with some duct tape it can be solved too .
While in bags, there is no moisture movement in and out. Also, I get them out when the shop where I work is in pretty much same condition when boards have been stored away.

This technique works pretty good for me, you can try maybe it will help you too.

 

[Stone Message]

If you make another one try and bring the wood into the house for a couple of weeks before you start to machine it. Do not leave it in your workshop for longer than necessary and do not do the final sanding until you have had the assembled board in the house for another 2 weeks. After the final sand use some suitable oil, in generous quantities and in repeated coats.

Peter

 

[CharlesWilson]

What is your temperature in the garage? Your glue joints may be compromised if it is below the minimum  temperature specified by the manufacturer. What woods are you gluing. Oily exotics need special treatment.

 

[greenleaf]

Thanks for all your suggestion. I will be trying them in the future.

 

[tjbnwi]

greenleaf,

This reads as if I/we were picking on you and really didn't offer any help. Sorry, please accept my apologies.

[attachthumb=#]

[attachthumb=#]

[attachthumb=#] This cutting board is end grain cherry, with maple edge grain "mortar" joints. It was glued as courses then each course stacked with TB III. It is 1-1/4" thick. I have never had a movement problem with any of my boards. Post some pics of yours and explain the process you used to assemble the board. I'll try and be better about making constructive suggestions.

Here a few simple stave, face and edge grain boards along with the brick board. They were also glued with TB III.

[attachthumb=#]

Tom

 

[mouppe]

I really like the "brick wall" board!

 

[greenleaf]

No need to apologize.
I do appreciate everyone's input. These are the types of suggestions I was looking for.
I brought the board back out to the garage and let it sit for a few days. It did settle down a bit. I glues the seam that opened. Sanded it (not well enough) and applied a few coats of mineral oil. We have been using it for a few days and it has stay relatively flat. So I'm ready to move on to the next one.
I like the "brick" style board you made. I will definitely take some inspiration from it.
Thanks again.
I will post pic soon.