Cutting board

[Tom Dunn]

I would like to make a fairly large cutting board, maybe 2'x3' or something similar.

It will only be for occasional use, for parties an such.

Is there any real advavtage to fashioning a board like this in end-grain butcher block fashion, or will simple glue up a 2" stock suffice?

Preferred wood and glue type recomendation appreciated as well! Thanks!!!

[DaveO]

I would agree with Mike. A side grain cutting board is very durable, lighter and easier to make than an end-grain board. Provided you don't plan to use it as a chopping block the side grain will work very well. The real advantage to an end grain board is the splitting of the fibers like the end of a broom while chopping, protecting the edge of the knife and increasing the longevity of the board.
I have made cutting boards out of just about any kind of wood. Your best bet is a tight grained wood (open pores collect gunk), and something that looks nice. TB111 is my glue choice. Check out my photo gallery album "Cutting Boards" http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?cat=184 for some idea of wood combinations.
Dave

[Tom Dunn]

and you won't be using it every day.

Sure don't expect to anyway. Since I live alone, a little board suffices for everyday use just fine but I've go a notion that I'd like to try my hand at Barbeque(been researching sauces lately) and don't have anything suitable to chop a pork shoulder on, nor do I have anything suitable for cutting on a deer (if I ever get back to hunting them again!).

[DavidF]

Originally Posted by Tom Dunn

Sure don't expect to anyway. Since I live alone, a little board suffices for everyday use just fine but I've go a notion that I'd like to try my hand at Barbeque(been researching sauces lately) and don't have anything suitable to chop a pork shoulder on, nor do I have anything suitable for cutting on a deer (if I ever get back to hunting them again!).

The last "pig Pickin'" I went to the meat was actually chopped up in an open topped box; certainly kept it all together and produced a good amount of pulled pork without too much hassle.

[Keye]

Certainly not an expert but when you said you would be chopping pork butts and venison I really think you pushed yourself toward end grain style boards.

I just put the first coat of finish on this type of board this morning.

I would suggest going to the Wood Whisperer's web site and watch his ipod presentation of making a cutting board. It is in two segments. His makes a nice looking board and it is really easy to make.