Introduction: DIY Cutting Board (With 3 Tools!)

By DIY Huntress
About: Hi, I’m Sam! Full time psychologist and woodworker! I build things and publish plans. Check out my website and YouTube channel for more project ideas!

One project I’ve had on my bucket list for the longest time has been a DIY wood cutting board. But, I’ve been wanting to build it in a way that is approachable to most people with a few power tools. So, I created not one, but TWO cutting boards in my small shed-workshop with three power tools (and no planer)!

--

Want more projects like this one? Visit my website & YouTube channel!

Website: www.diyhuntress.com

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/diyhuntress

--

Supplies

Tools
Table Saw
Miter Saw
Sander
Wood Clamp

Materials
Hardwoods (I used Maple, Padauk, & Walnut)
Wood Glue
Assorted Sanding Discs/Sandpaper
Cutting Board Oil

Step 1: Choose Your Lumber

First step was to choose the lumber for my cutting board(s). When making cutting boards, it’s important to choose dense, hardwoods. For my boards, I chose maple, padauk, and walnut.

Step 2: Trim to Equal Thickness

Next, I used my table saw to rip my pieces into similar thicknesses. It was important for me to have a straight edge on both sides of the pieces I was working with. So, I trimmed a slight bit off of one side and then flipped the piece over and cut it to my final width.

Step 3: Choose Your Size

After cutting the boards to width, I trimmed them down with my miter saw. I didn’t have to make them my final length just yet, but wanted them to be close.

Step 4: Smooth It Out

After trimming everything down to size, I ran a dry fit of my boards and used a sander to smooth out any bumps leftover from the table saw.

Step 5: Glue (A Lot)

Next, I placed my boards on top of my parallel clamps and added an ample amount of wood glue to the edges of my boards. then used a glue spreader to evenly distribute the glue on the boards. This stuff held up so well!

Step 6: Clamp

After adding the glue, I clamped together the boards and allowed them to dry for a full day.

Step 7: Sand (A Lot)

After the boards were dry, I removed them from the clamps and began the sanding process. I started sanding with 80 grit sandpaper until one side was flat.

Step 8: Trim to Final Size

I then took the cutting boards to the miter saw and trimmed them to size.

Step 9: Sand (Some More)

Once the boards were trimmed, I brought them back to the sander and sanded them to 220 grit.

Step 10: Raise the Grain

After I was finished sanding, I wet down my boards to raise the grain (this is an important step because it prevents the board from getting rough after the first wash).

Step 11: Finish It Up

Once the boards dried, I sanded them back down to 220 grit and then finished them with cutting board oil!

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

That's it! I was honestly so shocked that I was able to create this board with just three power tools tools! DIY projects don’t have to be overcomplicated!

Make sure to check out the video tutorial for this project, if you're interested!