Wood for Chopping Board

[CupCake]

Hi

I would like to make a simple chopping board as I can't find the size I want in the shops. Having hunted the internet many of the instructions require glueing and clamping.

I was after something a bit simpler. Preferrably just getting one piece of timer cut into the size I want to finish off.

Is there any particular type of wood I cant buy in one piece to make a chopping board about 50cm x 40cm with thickness no more than 4cm.

Thanks

[horse123]

Hi Cupcake,
I made mine from a large bit of hardwood i found at the recycled tip shop,then cut them to size,s I wanted , Then made some oval ones from pine, that came from vanity basin cut outs, bought a heap off ebay for $30 dollars, not sure i will ever use 55 of them! might make lazy susans as well,wo knows.
regards horse

[Tex B]

Cupcake,

Most hardwoods will do fine as cutting boards. Get it the size you want and sand it smooth. You can use it raw, or wipe on some paraffin oil (mineral oil, available for less than $5 at the supermarket) let it set a few minutes, then wipe off the excess.

Tex

[cellist]

Hi

I would like to make a simple chopping board as I can't find the size I want in the shops. Having hunted the internet many of the instructions require glueing and clamping.

I was after something a bit simpler. Preferrably just getting one piece of timer cut into the size I want to finish off.

Is there any particular type of wood I cant buy in one piece to make a chopping board about 50cm x 40cm with thickness no more than 4cm.

Thanks

CupCake, if you are going for a 'slab' type cutting board rather than an end-grain one, take the advice of the comments above. I would add to them only this: If you can, find some timber that is quarter-sawn. That is, the growth rings when looking at the end of the board want to be vertical rather than horizontal or arched. Wood will 'cup' if the latter is chosen. What I mean is this: Look at the end of the board. The growth rings want to be north and south from face to face across the short distance (40mm, as you described). That will be the most stable section you can get.

That said, it will be difficult to find a slab of timber that's 400mm wide and quarter sawn. If you do end up gluing boards together, follow the advice you'll see on the forums. But simply put, alternate the arcs of the wood where possible. More smaller pieces will be more stable than, for instance, just two glued together. The glues that are available these days are terrific and some are even water soluble (Titebond 3, for example is water soluble, but waterPROOF when set). Even Titebond 2 will be adequate as long as you don't intend using your board to catch a few waves when out of the kitchen.

For what you'll pay in the retail game for a good cutting board, the investment in a few clamps and good glue will be very satisfying.
Michael