First of all I want to take the time to thank everyone who has taken the time to look at Part 1. This project has definitely been the most viewed!
Supplies Needed For Part Two
Scraper or Chisel
Hand Plane
Orbital Sander with 80 grit Sandpaper
Router/ Cutting and 1/4 inch Round over bit.
Hand Hold Jig
320 Grit Sandpaper
Rag
Butcher Block Oil
Table Saw
We left off in Part 1 by letting the glue dry after we had our cutting board clamped together. After the glue was dry we removed all of the clamps and scraped off the excess dried glue.
Now sand. We had some high spots where the seams didn't match up like we wanted. This was a quick fix with a small hand plane. This also helped remove some of the missed glue.
We took the orbital sander and sanded the board until all of the glue and high spots were off. Since we are sanding the end grain, it takes a lot longer. Be patient, this is what is going to make the board beautiful!
After we were done sanding, we trimmed up the edges with the table saw to make the board as square as possible without taking very much off. You don't want to cut into the board because you will be cutting into the pattern.
We decided to cut hand holds into the sides of the board to make is easier to pick up and move around. For this we built a jig to make shape we needed. The router sits inside of the jig, and allows for straight lines. I made mine 4" x 1 1/2" and 1/2" deep. When routering out the area for the hand hold, we only cut out about a quarter of an inch of the way down. Then lowered the bit down to the final depth of 1/2" in the router and cut the final depth.
When both hand holds were finished, we moved on with rounding the edges over with a 1/4 inch round over bit. Then we took 320 grit sand paper and gave the board a final sand. At this time we made sure to rough down the bottom edges and corners to make them less sharp.
Wipe off the cutting board to remove all of the dust. Take a rag and dip it into the butcher block oil and rub the oil into the wood, starting with the bottom side of the board. Let the oil soak in and wipe of the excess. When dry, apply another coat.
I want to take this time to explain why we use butcher block oil on the cutting board. There are many different types of wood finishes, (Which I will explain the uses of them in another post) but when you are working with anything that is going to be used with or around food it is important that you use food safe finishes. This can be anything that is natural, that is not blended with any other ingredients, has no hidden ingredients and most importantly non toxic. Some common finishes are:
Butcher Block Oil
Pure Tung Oil
Raw Linseed Oil
Mineral Oil
Walnut Oil (Avoid if anyone has a nut allergy)
Beeswax
Carnauba Wax
Shellac
After all of the oil is rubbed in wait about 12 hours and reply another coat. You would want to so this at least twice but three would be the best. Sand with 400 grit sandpaper in between each coat. Then wait 72 hours before using after your final coat.
I am very excited about this cutting board and can't wait to make some more!
Enjoy!
Kirstie
Do you want your own custom made end grain cutting board? Contact us at www.dandkcustomwoodworking.com to order!
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