cutting board

[Peter Huebner]

I would use two tools for this: a thicknesser and a radial arm saw. Put the old chopping boards through a thicknesser until both top and bottom are clean (smooth)and parallel - that's your jointing done. Get a radial arm saw set up as near to perfect as you can, clamp a stop to the fence that will determine the future thickness of the board. You can just feed the old board in from one side and cut strips off which you can turn through 90 degrees and glue back together.

If you haven't the tools, try a local joiner or the school woodwork shop (nightclasses?). This is by far the best, as well as easiest method i.m.o.

-P.

[fredfighter]

[Chuck Taylor]

You get the responses you do because there's no indication that you have actually attempted to get into it. If you did, you might be able to answer some of your own questions.

[Phisherman]

Yes. There are other places to buy mineral oil, but the mineral oil at the pharmacy is probably more pure than other sources. Mineral oil won't go rancid like many other oils. The oil will darken the wood a little. It is good to test any finish on a scrap piece first.

Not really. You can make a cutting board any way you wish. There are a few kinds of wood to avoid. I read that beech is a good choice. I've made cutting boards from cherry, oak, and maple. I have even used pine, although this wood is generally too soft.