UPDATE End grain versus planer

[Edwin Pawlowski]

I had some good suggestion for how to smooth the cutting board. I had it well along with a belt sander and so I finished it that way. I've since assembled three more using a different method with better results. What was suggested by the author was not the best method for me. He suggested three groups of eight sections on the table and clamped. I did all 24 pieces with them on the Bessey clamps and got better alignment. Just had to work a bit faster to beat the recommended open time.

I also adjusted my digital glue spreader to put less on the wood. Less squeeze out, less labor.

[Leon]

section would bulge. I had to flatten the sides of each 8 piece section before gluing those together. I think doing it all at once would be the way to go. I mentioned earlier that I may double or triple the thickness and cut blanks out on the BS from a single larger slab. I may also carefully place brads to help prevent the pieces from sliding around taking care not to put any where I may cut later.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

The double or triple sounds like a good idea, of course you have more glue to spread before it is clamped so time is a factor. I had the same bulging problem and it prompted me to go to the single step.

I have the put together on the clamps and just glue one up, place it carefully and the side to side lineup is rather good. Seems like they get enough tension sitting in place that side shift in clamping is not a problem. just a quick snugging with cauls get them near perfect. A shaving pass through the tablesaw fixes up the minor imperfections.

I want to get them done soon so the exposed cherry will have a little time to darken a bit. I'll probably sit them so the sunlight will help age the wood for a little more character when the recipients get them.