Thread: suggested contrasting timbers for cutting boards

Why not go around to some building sites and ask if they can save some offcuts for you.

Most of the hardwood or pine use for new building works should be fine

I suggest you ask for some flooring offcuts. Most of them have a profile cut out underneath but if you have access to a table saw (Triton) you could cut the pieces up for them. Suggest you keep away from radiata pine - too soft.

Carry Pine

G'day Steve,
What everyone has said is true dinks........if you're on a budget (as you must be) whatever you come up with will achieve the objective for your students.
Here's some timber that's available from even places like Mitre 10.
Tasmanian oak
Indonesian Mahogany
Merbua
Jarrah.
These will all be in the "decking section" at Mitre 10.
They may cost you up to approx $3.00 per linear metre.
But!
How many students??
How big are the cutting boards??
With a bit of judicious milling on a Table saw you would end up with lots of say "12mm"
strips of those timbers.
A bit of lamination.....clamping.........gluing.........table saw again (cut to dimensions)
A bit of router edging
Sanding........then oiling (paraffin oil)

Then Bob's your mother's brother!
There is another thing about buying this wood......don't go to the boss.at you local Mitre 10.(unless he's into local politics).....go to the bloke that's got to cut the 6 metre lengths into your transportable sections.....tell him your story..........make it good...as you have this post.
Regards,
Noel

Steve
I have some hardwood flooring offcuts of varying lengths that you can have if suitable.
I will be able to get them out next week.
PM me if interested

G'day Steve,

I have a specialist timber business, Garnerwood, based in Bundoora. I may have a few bits and pieces that I can help you out with. If you are interested send me a PM and we can discuss it.

Cheers,

Mark

Pine and jarrah looks good. We did one at the triton club. I still have the plans and can email them to you if you like.

by the photos you can see it's well used

Originally Posted by Carry Pine

Suggest you keep away from radiata pine - too soft.

Carry Pine

That's the reason why its a good chopping board material, very hard wood is the worst as it bluntens a knife quickly.

Pines quite ok for a cutting board as long as you get rid of knotty bits, pith and heart. (In other words cut all defects out so you only use clear grain)

Neil recently posted some pine cutting board that are many years old and still going strong.

Hi- thanks to all your suggestions and helpful offers - will be following up shortly. It's been a great help.
Cheers, Steve