cutting board sanding

[Keye]

What is the normal final grit to use on a cutting board?

 

[Bill J]

I usually use 400 grit. I also find that you often need to resand. I usually wet my boards to simulate the first use and find that the grain will "pop" on some woods and leave a rough surface. so my process has become sand, one coat of oil, wash, then a second sanding and finish coat.
If you stick to just hard maple this isn't much of an issue.

 

[JohnnyR]

For end grain, 120 is sufficient - once you can't see marks stop. If you sand too much on either grain, you inhibit your finish from penetrating into the wood.

 

[Billm0066]

220 or 320. Wet the board, dry, sand the last one again.

 

[Keye]

220 or 320. Wet the board, dry, sand the last one again.

This is the way I finish all the time. I was concerned about over sanding because I have never used the finishes applied to cutting boards. I also use paint thinner, does not raise the grain, to look for blemishes and any glue. Do not think I will use this on a cutting board.

 

[SabertoothBunny]

220 would be the max grit I would sand too. Most woods I would stick to 120 to allow the oils to absord easier as well as the fact that it is a cutting board and designed to be used.

 

[Jeff]

This is the way I finish all the time.

You don't need to go above 80 or 100 grit for a cutting board. It's going to be used with knives and cleavers so it'll get grooves/slices. In other words it's meant to be used and doesn't need a "fine furniture" sanding job.

 

[Keye]

This one will definitely be used so I will not waste time over sanding.