Project Information
I have had the opportunity to build several, end grain, butcher block cutting boards when a close friend asked if i could make a counter top for a kitchen island. The process is the same, but it is considerably more work to build a larger top…especially in a small shop like mine. I was intrigued by the opportunity and jumped at the chance. I chose to use rock maple, when i typically use soft maple, and i was very happy with my decision. It was a laborious process, but with care in each step, i wound up with a product that i was very happy with. The only real challeng that i faced was the limits of my shop. Un fortunately, the one tool that i need, i do not yet have and that is a drum sander. I have found that my belt sander and orbital are sufficient for small cutting boards; however, i did not want to chance it on this. Ultimately, i ended up paying a local cabinet shop a few bucks to run it thru their drum sander a few times. I was very happy with the resultant product. The only issue that i had in constructing the top was when it left my shop on the way to the cabinet maker's shop. During the 30 minute trip, the sun apparenlty caused a reaction in one of the two sections and caused about 3/8" of a curl on each side. Once i flipped it over, and let it set over night, it was back to flat. I think that it was simply the moisture in the glue. Regardless, i was concerned for a bit. Once i biscuited the two sections together and lathered it in mineral oli, it was good to go. It is currently in a crate, headed to Pittsburgh….hopefully it will arrive safely.
Thanks for viewing…
Thanks for viewing…