How to Make Cutting Board at Home
A cutting board is a useful kitchen tool that offers you better convenience. Cutting boards are made of different types of items. Wood is one of the best materials and can last for a long time. Instead of buying a cutting board of ready-made shape and size, you can make it at home as per your requirements. We will now explain the process of making a cutting board right at your home.
Gathering Materials
As you are making a wood cutting board, you will need dense hardwood along with a closed grain. You will also be needing other items like a chisel, bar clamps, parchment paper, wood glue, pipe clamps, scrap wood, and a rag. Additionally, you will require sander and sanding pads. You can even have items like beeswax or mineral oil for a food-safe finish.
Starting with the Wood
The first task will be to have a smooth wood. Always get a smooth wood of the right size. The size is a user preference, and it must also have appropriate thickness. You need to set the scrap wood on the surface. Ensure that you place the parchment paper so that the cutting board pieces don’t stick. Follow it by alternating the end grain that helps to prevent warping.
Applying Glue
The next step will be to apply glue on the side of the wood’s centerpiece. By using your fingertip, you can spread the glue quickly and make it lay flat. Keep in mind that it has to be on the right side of the piece. Now you can follow on the left piece. Following this, you need to line up the edges.
Using the Clamp Boards
The purpose of clamp boards is for pressing the wood hard. You will have to take two pipe clamps to press them together. Now take four bar clamps and make sure that the joints are perfectly straight. Follow it by taking parchment paper pieces and use them in such a way that the clamps don’t stick to the glue. Again take a damp rag and wipe away if there is any leftover glue. Now you will have to allow the board to stay it overnight.
Cleaning the Glue
The next step will be to remove the clamps from the wood cutting board. If there is any excess dried glue, then you need to take a chisel and remove it gently. However, make sure that you don’t cause scratches on the wood. You need to do it and all the sides and give it a food-safe finish. You can line up the end pieces and follow them on all the sides.
The Final Step
Pick an orbital sander as well as a sanding pad and start sanding on the edges. You will have to follow it with sanding papers of 120-grit and 220-grit. Wipe off any dust with the help of a damp cloth. Once you are done with it, you need to apply a food-safe finish. For this, you can take beeswax or mineral oil. Allow the wood to absorb it completely. Leave it dry overnight before you and tend to use it.
