Make a Butcher Block

Butcher-block cutting boards are all the rage--they look beautiful and are great work surfaces. But they're also expensive because they're laminated, or built of layers of wood. Wood expert Randy Baiter shows Kitty Bartholomew how to make one and save lots of money.

Steps:

1. Place your chosen pieces of laminated woods in an arrangement that you find pleasing, and apply yellow woodworking glue generously to the edges that will be adhered.
2. Construct the board by placing all the pieces together; clamp them to hold. (Don 't clamp too tightly, or the wood will buckle and all the glue will squeeze out.) If some of the pieces rise up, don't worry: you can use a belt sander to smooth them out. Let the glue dry for about an hour. You can work on it after that length of time, but don't handle it roughly.
3. Belt-sand the cutting board. Trim the sides on a table saw, if necessary (and if you have one).
4. Drill a hole in the board for hanging. This will prolong the life of the wood.
5. Apply a penetrating oil to protect and enhance the wood; rub with fine steel wool if desired.

Also in this Episode

Kitty Bartholomew: You're Home : Episode KIT-165
•	Decoupage Plates
•	Laminating Cotton
•	Make a Butcher Block