another question (cutting boards)

Do you have a router? You could make a simple router planer.
Here is a big one I made: http://lumberjocks.com/projects/40093

Here is a good blog on the subject: http://lumberjocks.com/TZH/blog/series/3258

-- Scott Smith, Southern Illinois

Better sand even with a belt sander then random orbit or hand sand. You could use a handheld non power plane. Router jig will work as well. Planing them in planers can be done, but it is dicey and seems like it is hard on the planer.

The first end grain board that I made, I used a small handheld belt sander to flatten out. It took a long time and lots of patience, but it worked pretty well.

I’d also vote for the router idea posted above. Although I haven’t tried it, if I had not gotten a drum sander, I would’ve tried the router plane on the next board I made. As long as your guides are flat and sturdy, this should produce excellent results in a short amount of time, without the frustrations that can arise from using a belt sander. Besides, then you’ll have the router plane for future projects of a similar nature.

-- Jonathan, Denver, CO "Constructive criticism is welcome and valued as it gives me new perspectives and helps me to advance as a woodworker."

If you route it, do a first pass around the edge as a climb cut to prevent tearout.

-- Backer boards, stop blocks, build oversized, and never buy a hand plane--

Rance, that is excellent advice.

-- Jonathan, Denver, CO "Constructive criticism is welcome and valued as it gives me new perspectives and helps me to advance as a woodworker."