I'm gearing up to create my own cutting board and have a few questions. Firstly, how can I stain different sections of the board different colors and still hand plane it without removing the stain? Secondly, is wood glue reliable enough to hold the boards together, or should I consider reinforcement like all thread rods capped with dowels? Lastly, would using Oak be a good choice for the material?
6 Answers
1. Instead of staining, consider using different types of wood to get the colors you want. 2. Yes, wood glue is strong enough, but I'd avoid threaded rods since they can rust. 3. Oak isn't the best choice for cutting boards due to its open grain; try hardwoods like maple or walnut instead.
Honestly, it might be a good idea to start simple. Try just planing a stained board to see how it goes. Glue two pieces together and test the bond. That’ll give you answers on staining and glue strength.
Thanks for the advice!
Unless you're using pine, avoid staining wood. The stain won't let oil soak in properly and can leach into food. For glue, Titebond or a good quality wood glue should suffice if you get a solid joint. I do recommend experimenting with woods, and don’t fret if your first board isn't perfect; practice makes perfect!
In my experience, stick to natural wood colors instead of staining. Glue will work well, but make sure your joints are tight. Using threaded rods could lead to issues down the road because wood moves with humidity. Oak can be used, but I prefer white oak for its sturdiness. Remember, getting the technique right takes some practice!
Make sure to only use food-grade oils on your cutting board for finishing. They penetrate deeply and keep the wood safe.
How durable are these food-grade oils? Will they hold up after planing?
1) Do not stain before planing; it won’t work well. You can use exotic woods to get vibrant colors. 2) Threaded rods are overkill, but dowels could work well on the edges of the board. 3) There’s guidance on what woods to use for cutting boards from the USDA. Generally, the harder the wood, the better it is.
I appreciate the info!
That's a good point about rust! Is it crazy to have colors like blue and red wood for a design, though?