Introduction
This cutting board dazzles the eye, but making it is easy: Just cut strips of wood and glue them together. I used walnut and maple scraps cut at increments of 1/8-in., but the variations are endless. I made four versions of this design and got smarter with each.It’s easier than it seems
Cut two strips of each width—one from maple, one from walnut. The strips differ by increments of 1/8-in., so widths are: 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 7/8, 1, 1-1/8, and 1-1/4 in.
Tips for flat, tight results
START WITH LONG STRIPS: Before cutting strips, cut your boards at least 1 in. longer than the final length of the cutting board. That way, you won’t have to align the ends perfectly during glue-up. Trim off the imperfect ends after glue-up.
TUNE UP YOUR TABLE SAW: Clean, precise cuts are critical. Grab a square and make sure the blade is
square to the tabletop. Also check that the fence is perfectly parallel to the blade. Your owner’s manual will show you how. This is a good time to install a fresh, sharp ripping blade too.
LAY OUT THE STRIPS: Arrange the strips with their best faces up. Then mark a guideline across them. During glue-up, that line will help you keep them arranged correctly. Also check the overall width of the combined strips.
DO A DRY RUN: Once you start to spread glue, you have to work fast. So first clamp and caul the cutting board without glue. This dress rehearsal will reveal problems like a misfit joint or alert you to the need for another clamp.
