The quick and dirty instructions on how to make a zig-zag pattern cutting board.

The quick and dirty instructions on how to make a zig-zag pattern cutting board.

Click on the pictures to see a full size image.

Choose a couple different types of hardwood. The more colors the better. Below is cherry, maple and walnut.
Rip strips of wood any width so the total with is about 12”. This is the width that will fit through my planer. The beauty of this is that none of the widths have to be the same. The board shown below is made of scrape wood. If you only have short pieces of wood you can make trivets, or lids for boxes.
Remove saw marks by sending the strips through the planer. This will allow the strips to fit tightly together.
Glue the strips with FDA approved glue. I use Titebond II or III. Offset the strips at a 45 degree angle and clamp tightly. Figure #1. This is done to minimize waste.
After 24 hours remove clamps and plane both sides. Figure #1.

Figure#1: Strips after they have been glued, clamped and planed.

Cut strips (any width) at a 45 degree angle. Figure #2 At the end of the board you may be able to cut a few thinner strips to use for additional accents or for smaller projects such as trivets or pens.

Figure #2: Strips cut at a 45 degree angle.

Now for the magic. Flip every other strip to it’s opposite side. Figure #3.

Figure #3: Flip the strips. You now have your first zig.

Continue the pattern by flipping the strips
You now have a zig and a zag.

Figure #4

Make sure the joints fit tight. And start the second glue-up. (Use FDA approved glue.)
Clamp for 24 hours. Since my original strips were short I used walnut as a boarder to make the board a little longer. Figure #5

Cut off the “points” as shown in Figure #5.

Figure #5

After trimming off the points gently kiss the board on both side with the planer. This should make for a very smooth board.
Easy the edges with a round over bit and a router.
Coat with USP grade mineral oil. Allow to soak in for about 20 minutes. Recoat. Wait 20,minutes and wipe off excess.
I apply rubber feet to the bottom of my boards.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Greg

-- A famous poet once said: “There is a name hidden in the shadow of my soul, the name is wood. Sweet, ever beautiful, earth grown wood. It warms my heart and brings a tear to my eye.”