I've been experiencing issues with my cutting boards after about three years of use. They seem to be coming apart and warping, and despite using Titebond 3 for construction, I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong or if this is just expected wear and tear after regular washing and use.
3 Answers
How are you washing your boards? It makes a big difference! I wash mine quickly under lukewarm water, towel dry them, and then let them dry completely on their side to avoid warping. Also, make sure to use running water instead of submerging them completely.
It sounds like you might need to reapply mineral oil regularly. If you don't keep the wood hydrated, the individual pieces can dry out at different rates, causing them to break apart. Regular maintenance goes a long way!
It could also be a glue issue! If there wasn't enough glue penetrating the joints or the pressure during glue-up wasn't sufficient, that could lead to separation. Try using a card scraper to create a slight concave on each joint before gluing; it helps the glue to fill the space better and creates a tighter bond.