All the flat vs end grain arguments aside, I just started building cutting boards.
I am working my way from long grain, single color and two alternating colors- equal and varying width maple and walnut, to end grain boards. I have just finished my first two color special pattern endgrain board, which despite machinery issues, came out pretty nice. It was a learning experience. Now I plan to work my way up to more exotic and difficult cutting boards with more than two colors.
However, before I continue, I'm pausing to tweak my drum sander- adjust pressure roller tension, change sanding belt(s), and replace the conveyor belt. I will also change and set the blades on my 20" planer (wish I had a Shelix!). (Yes, for any serious exotic, segmented, endgrain cutting board work, you need both planer and drum sander. A tablesaw with sliding table would be nice too, but I don't have one and don't plan to get one.
This may be my next two color cutting board project:
If you are looking to do this in a big way, you should Google mtmwood cutting boards or go to his homepage:
3d cutting boards Here is a video of what I hope to build next:
The guy is Russian and speaks Russian but his videos have subtitles and are well done. He goes through the entire build process for some really exotic cutting boards. It is a very interesting process. If you get into this, be prepared to put a significant amount of time into careful cutting, planing, and sanding (drum and with ROS hand sanders).