End Grain Cutting Board

[Alex Franke]

Here's an end grain cutting board, also from left over pieces. I got the idea from Wood managazine (I think) a few months ago so I made it for my wife for Christmas.

A mistake here was cutting an even number of slices which makes the pattern unsymmetrical. I don't know if they warned against this in the article (I loaned it out before I read it), but it's something to keep it in mind if you build one.

Starting with the dimensions of the scrap pieces, I used a spreadsheet to calculate the best compromises among thickness, number of cuts, and dimensions (it's nearly a golden rectangle).

I finished it with mineral oil, which happens to be in the laxative aisle at my local drug store. Fortunately we don't experience any negative effects when eating foods prepared on the board. =)

[Tony Ward]

Looks good. Ever thought of doing one using a random selection?

[Pappy]

I like it. Some of the grain makes the top look 3 dimension.

[mater]

That is very nice.

[lrogers]

Very cool looking.

[Kristofor]

Looks great. I agree about the 3D feel. That combined with the patern kind of gives it an M.C. Escher vibe IMO.

Kristofor.

[John Hunter]

Very nice.

[SHADOWFOX]

Wow, Alex! That is some awesome looking cutting board. Almost to nice to use.

[Alex Franke]

Looks good. Ever thought of doing one using a random selection?

Yeah, I saw one of these done I think by the guy on Woodworks on DIY that was a much more randomized pattern and it did look very cool. This one had to be quick, though, because I was trying to keep it a secret. We have a two year old and a new baby, so every time I go out to the shop, I pretty much have to make a good case for it.

I'm starting to collect random pices of scrap for a new one, though. We'll see how it turns out!

I like it. Some of the grain makes the top look 3 dimension.

I agree -- I like the way the end grain pattern flows diagonally across the board.

Thanks for all your great comments!

[Wood_workur]

that is very cool looking.