If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and functionality to your kitchen, a butcher block cutting board is a must-have item. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can create your own beautiful butcher block cutting board using purple heart wood, maple, and walnut. Follow along as we guide you step by step through the process of creating this stunning piece.
Step 1: Mark and Cut the Lumber
To begin, mark your lumber to approximately 25 inches. Once marked, take the lumber to a radial arm saw to cut it down to size. This will ensure that all the pieces are uniform in length. Afterward, head over to the table saw to rip the lumber into workable pieces.
Step 2: Dealing with Binding
While cutting the walnut, you may encounter some binding issues. If you notice the blade binding up, back off the blade and re-cut the kerf a couple of times to alleviate the problem.
Step 3: Dealing with Cupping
If you notice any small cupping in the board after the first rip cut, simply flip the board and cut from the other end to avoid the cupping issue. This will ensure a flat and even surface.
Step 4: Prepare the Wood for Glue
Before gluing the pieces together, prepare each piece of wood by sending them through the planer. Additionally, you can use a jointer to prepare the edges. However, if your jointer fence is not at a precise 90-degree angle, it’s best to clean up the edges on the table saw. If needed, create a jointing jig to ensure the board is square.
Step 5: Glue Up and Clamp
Apply glue to the mating edges of the wood pieces and align them together. Use an obsessive amount of clamps to ensure a tight bond. Allow the glue to dry for several hours before removing the clamps.
Step 6: Trim and Rip the Board
Now that the glue has dried, trim the ends of the board using a radial arm saw. Next, rip the board to its final width on the table saw. Afterward, run the board through the planer to achieve the desired thickness.
Step 7: Adding a Dado for Convenience
To make the board easier to handle and flip, cut a 3/8 inch dado along all the edges. This dado will not only add functionality but also give a visually appealing look to the board.
Step 8: Smoothing the Edges
Using a quarter inch roundover bit in a router table, carefully round off all the hard edges on the board. This step will enhance both the aesthetics and comfort of using the cutting board.
Step 9: Sanding and Finishing
To achieve a smooth and flawless finish, begin sanding the board starting with 100 grit sandpaper. Gradually work your way up to 150 grit, 220 grit, 320 grit, and finally, 400 grit sandpaper. This meticulous sanding process ensures that the surface is silky smooth.
Once the sanding is complete, clean the board using mineral spirits. Apply a coat of mineral spirits, let it dry for about 30 minutes, and then apply another coat. This step prepares the board for the final finish.
To bring out the natural beauty of the wood, generously apply Walrus Oil to the board. This high-quality finish will protect the wood and provide a stunning satin finish.
Conclusion
And that’s it! With a little bit of woodworking skill and patience, you can create a gorgeous butcher block cutting board using purple heart, maple, and walnut wood. This functional and visually appealing addition to your kitchen will surely impress your family and guests. Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more exciting woodworking projects. Happy woodworking!
