I've been burning my off-cut strips after ripping boards, but I'm curious if there's a better use for them. These strips are typically 1/4" thick or more. Outside of making cutting boards, has anyone discovered some interesting or practical ways to use these strips?
3 Answers
Stir sticks are a great use! You can also use them for finishes and epoxy work. It's handy because they’re the perfect size for mixing without taking too much space in your workshop.
I’d say edge-banding plywood is a solid option. But honestly, keeping too many small scraps sometimes just clutters up the workspace. If an idea doesn’t come to me naturally for using a piece, I’m more inclined to let it go. You could even list them for free on a marketplace; someone might find a great use for them!
Right? I keep some as shims, but a lot of the time, they just sit around and do nothing.
I’ve made oversized Jenga blocks from assorted woods, and sometimes I turn them into coasters or little pieces of wall art. Just glue some random strips together and cut them into coasters—it's a fun project!
I've done similar! I once planned to make a cutting board with some strips, but when it turned out too thin, I adapted and created coasters with leather pads underneath. They turned out fabulous!
Totally agree! I also have some MDO strips that are sturdy enough for that purpose. They hold up remarkably well.