Hey everyone, I'm dealing with a frustrating issue. I constructed a cutting board using high-quality wood as a gift for my grandma's birthday. I was meticulous with the jointing process, and after finishing the gluing and machining, it was perfectly flat. I let it cure for about 4-5 days after applying Odie's oil, but now it's rocking and has cupped upwards. What could be causing this? I also sanded the top to 180 grit but only sanded the sides and bottom to 120 grit. Could that be a factor?
3 Answers
The type of board matters too! If it's face grain, it might not hold up well with moisture. Face grain boards typically have less stability with exposure to moisture compared to edge or end grain boards. When you finish, it’s also important to do so evenly on both sides. A moisture meter could be super handy to check the wood's moisture levels, especially since you mentioned you learned from your dad who might not have emphasized that as much. Resources like woodworking forums or YouTube can really help you grasp these concepts better!
First off, check how you stored the board. Did it sit upright or on its face? If it was upright, it might have picked up moisture unevenly. Also, it's crucial to ensure the moisture level of the wood is balanced—if you're using different types of wood, they might react differently to moisture. Make sure to wax both sides and consider the orientation of the growth rings. If they’re not aligned properly, that could lead to cupping later on.
Also, what thickness did you make your board? If it was drying face up, it could dry unevenly and cause warping. Keeping boards on their edges is generally better if they don't have feet to stabilize them on a flat surface. Let’s troubleshoot this together!