Plywood Cutting Board

Intro: Plywood Cutting Board

Tools Needed

-Table Saw

-Clamps

-Planer

-Slide Miter Saw

-Drum Sander (recommended)

-Palm Sander

STEP 1: Cut Plywood Strips

-Acquire 1/2" plywood and set the table saw at 1 1/4"

-Cut 18 strips as shown

STEP 2: Glue

Generously apply glue to each of the strips face and clamp them together like a sandwich.

STEP 3: Run Through Planer

-After the glue has dried, run the piece through the planer

-Plane until the piece is flat on both sides as shown

STEP 4: Square the Imperfect Edges

-Use a slide miter saw to square up each edge

-Try to cut as little material off as possible

STEP 5: Run Through Drum Sander

If available to you, run the piece through the drum sander to smooth the surface.

STEP 6: Round the Edges

-Trace around a round object on each edge to keep consistency

-Move to the disc sander to round the edges

-Sand down to pencil line

STEP 7: Cut Dado Cuts to for Visual Appeal

This step is optional

-Set up the the sled on the table saw as shown

-Set appropriate blade height to cut in 1/8"

-Cut 1" from the edge of the cutting board

STEP 8: Paint Dado Cuts

This step is optional

-Tape off each dado slot for accuracy

-Paint the inside edge of each dado cut for visual appeal

STEP 9: Sand Through the Grits

-Start at 80 grit sand paper and attach it to a vibrating palm sander

-Take your time sanding through the grits (80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, 240, 320, 400)

STEP 10: Finish With Tung Oil

-apply tung oil generously

-let it dry overnight and apply a second coat

-allow a week for the second coat to cure before use

STEP 11: Finished Product

Comments

[JerryL1206]

I don’t think this would be usable as a cutting board. Not only for the reasons already stated but also because it would be too soft / porous. But it does have a cool look and might be usable for wall art projects.

[BronnieC]

I wondering what glue to use that would be food safe.. even though I plan on using a food safe oil to seal

[MarioH49]

I have access to literally a boatload of plywood and this will be my next project. I don't think I'd use it in the kitchen, but I have a laser engraver and I'm wondering how laser etchings will look on this when it's finished. I think they should look amazing.

I've wanted to do some plaque shapes to then engrave with the names of player and coaches on my (gridiron/)football team and this could be the exact base I've needed. I wanted something that looked different, a bit rugged even, thanks for a great idea... As Old-n-Kranky said, this instructable is borderline brilliant with so many uses!

[Old-n-Kranky]

Great idea, I had never thought of doing something like this with plywood. Sorry though, but I agree with Yonatan24. Plywood is purely a manmade construct, with layer upon layer of veneer sandwiched together and bonded with industrial glue. I'm not sure what the impact would be of using this in the kitchen, but I don't think it would be very nice.

However, don't let any of these negative comments put you off. Your ingenuity in developing and creating this Instructable was borderline brilliant. I would never have thought of this.

[VitaliyP6]

If I cut the meat and small pieces of adhesive formed from scratch in the board can land on my food... is it safe?

[Yonatan24]

No.

[fpobdoc]

I would also be concerned about the grooves. They are so small that they will be difficult to clean.

[IamGutter]

I have to agree with skepticaljay on this. Great Instructable, and the plywood gives it a very unique look, but the chemicals used in making plywood are not conducive for food service.

[skepticaljay]

Good instructable, but I believe most plywood has formaldehyde and other toxic materials in it. May not be a good idea.

[Swansong]

That looks great :) I love the striping effect from the layers.