How to Prepare a Block of Wood for a Cutting Board
- 1). Cut the block of wood into strips that are 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch wide. The most efficient way to cut a board into thin strips is using a table saw.
- 2). Glue the strips together with wood glue. Dampen one side of a wood strip with a sponge and place glue on the other strip in a zigzag fashion down the strip. Do not place the glue close to the edges, or it will squeeze onto the top and bottom surface of the cutting board. Press the strips together and hold them in place long enough for the glue to take hold.
- 3). Continue gluing strips until you've finished the entire cutting board. Clamp the strips together and allow the glue to dry overnight. Make sure the strips lie completely flat to dry.
- 4). Sand the top, bottom and sides of the cutting board with an orbital sander. Begin with medium-grit sandpaper and finish with fine-grit sandpaper. Sand the cutting board until the surface is completely smooth to the touch.
- 5). Wipe the cutting board with a microfiber cloth to remove all sanding dust.
- 6). Apply mineral oil to the cutting board with a soft cloth. Mineral oil will soak into the wood and help preserve it from moisture. Allow the mineral oil to dry overnight before using the cutting board.
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