Refreshing a Cutting Board

lothian

New User
lothian
Hiya, fellas.

I've volunteered to refresh an 18 x 24 cutting block of a small artisan bakery here in Cary. I could simply sand progressive grit across each side of the thing, of course. But I believe running it thru a shaper and planer would do an all around better job, and quicker too. Problem is, I own neither a shaper nor a suitably sized planer. Any idea where in Raleigh I can take this thing?
 
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Bas

Recovering tool addict
Bas
Corporate Member
When you say cutting block, I assume it's end grain. I would not put it through a planer with straight knives. A wide belt sander would be best, or otherwise a drum sander, but only if it's really in bad shape. Do you have any pictures? If it's just worn, sanding with a 6" ROS starting at 60 grit would probably get things cleaned up.
 

lothian

New User
lothian
When you say cutting block, I assume it's end grain. I would not put it through a planer with straight knives. A wide belt sander would be best, or otherwise a drum sander, but only if it's really in bad shape. Do you have any pictures? If it's just worn, sanding with a 6" ROS starting at 60 grit would probably get things cleaned up.


Correct: yer typical end-grain construction cuttin' board. Its surfaces are not in bad shape at all. I have the impression that a clean, level cut from both a shaper and planer will render a better finish.
 

Mike Davis

Mike
Corporate Member
I use a #80 cabinet scraper. A card scraper would work as well but harder on the hands.
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lothian

New User
lothian
yeah... ok. I'm convinced.

<plaintive sigh>

Time to search the back of my tool cabinet for granddad's old smoothing plane.

<dolefully kicks pebble >
 

Mike Davis

Mike
Corporate Member
I think a plane takes off too much especially if you’re not in the habit of using one daily.

a scraper will remove 1/1000-2/1000 each pass consistently and evenly without any tear out.
 

Bear Republic

Steve
Corporate Member
And don't forget to recondition the board with some mineral oil/wax blend. It is simple to make and really does wonders on renewing them.

For a great tutorial check out Jonathan Katz-Moses, he's got a great video.

Katz-Moses Goo
 

Jeff

New User
Jeff
I've volunteered to refresh an 18 x 24 cutting block of a small artisan bakery here in Cary.

What's wrong with the end grain "block" now that you're going to "refresh"? What does the bakery use this for? Just kneading dough?

 

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