Easy Step By Step Guide Of Making A Cutting Board From A Log
If you want to make or build a cutting board from a log, you can do so easily. There are a number of ways to perform this task but the easy step by step way is mentioned below. Follow each and every step carefully in order to achieve the desired result:
- Upright Position: The first step is to keep the tree log in an upright position. Make sure it is on a sturdy and properly leveled surface. In order to get the leveled surface, the user can place a scrap piece of wood underneath part of the tree log.
- Scrap Piece: In this step the user needs to place the 1 by a 3-inch scrap piece of wood right on top of the log. This piece of wood will be used as a guide and then draw lines on each side of the wood piece onto the log. A 1 by 3-inch wood piece will yield a little thicker butcher style cutting board. If the user wants a thinner cutting board, then use a one by two-inch wood piece as the guide in place of 1 by 3 inches piece.
- Chainsaw: With the help of a chainsaw, start cutting the log from one of the lines that were drawn with a piece of wood, cut in downward direction until the user has cut through the log.
- Another Line: The line that is just cut, use the 1 by 3-inch or 1 by 2 scrap piece the user needs to use the same piece of wood that is used on the log to make the cut and then line it up with the cut line right on the side of the log. Once it is properly lined up with the cut line, then the user needs to draw a line all along the opposite side of the scrap wood on the log. This drawn line will match the drawn line that is made on top of the log and will be another cutting guide for the next cut.
- Last Piece: Using the drawn lines as guides on the top as well as on side of the log, cut the last piece with the help of a chainsaw.
- Bark Of Tree: It depends on the user whether to have the bark of the tree on the cutting board or want to take it off. In order to remove the bark off, then use the tip of a flat-head screwdriver in between the side of the board and bark. Lightly tap the end of the screwdriver with the help of a hammer. Repeat this process until all the bark is removed.
- Sanding: After the above step is done, then using the coarsest paper first 80 grit start sanding. It will remove some imperfections of a chainsaw from each of the sides as well as all edges of the board. After the larger imperfections are removed, change the sandpaper to the 120 grit. At last, sand with the 220 grit all the sides of the board should be smooth to touch.
- Wipe The Board: Take a clean cloth to wipe the board. Put some food-safe mineral oil on a clean cloth and start rubbing the oil on all sides of the board. Leave the mineral oil to soak in. After the first coat of oil is soaked in, then apply a second coat of mineral oil leave the oil to completely soak in.