I have been making a few end grain cutting boards, but keep running into the same issue. I spend a lot of time sanding the surface. Once it is glassy smooth, I start applying the mineral oil. However, even after a good serving of oil, the first time the board gets wiped down with a wet rag, the end grain fibers swell up and the board is rough. I usually just give it another sanding and oil. That cleans it up. Does anyone have any techniques that will prevent the additional sanding and oiling? Just trying to make it more efficient.
| Blog entry by indianawoodbutcher | posted 524 days ago | 671 reads | 2 times favorited | 3 comments |  |
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3 comments so far
SPalm
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4120 posts in 2053 days
#1 posted 524 days ago
That sounds like how I do it. After just a few times washing it and then re-oil, all will be good.
Raising the grain with water can also be done before the first oil. But it seems like the boards just have to settle down. Sometimes the glue with rise up after a few days too. Just a light sanding will smooth it out.
Steve
-- -- I'm no rocket surgeon
SASmith
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1369 posts in 1158 days
#2 posted 524 days ago
Steve is right on.
I usually try to raise the grain a few times before the first oiling.
-- Scott Smith, Southern Illinois
indianawoodbutcher
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34 posts in 861 days
#3 posted 521 days ago
Thanks for the info. I have not tried to raise it before oiling. that will make it a lot easier. Oily wood just clogs up the sand paper quickly. will try it on my next board.
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