Well, I finally got an end grain cutting board made in the style demonstrated by The Wood Whisperer, Marc Spagnuolo. By using different types of wood cut in various widths this style creates a very pleasing pattern when completed.

I chose to use Maple and Cherry for this board. Though the contrast is more subtle than using some woods it turned out quite nice. The size of the board is 13.5″ X 11″ X 1″ and it is finished with a several coats of food-grade mineral oil and then buffed to a dull sheen.

I no doubt will be making more of these since the final product has been so well received. The choice of contrasting wood varieties available gives the opportunity for each one to be different. As well, there are other changes that can be done to make them unique. For example, with this one I added Maple ends to the board to give it bit of a different look.

Here are a couple of more photos showing different views of this board:

Continue reading 'A Spagnuolo-Style Cutting Board'

In addition to the Crosscut Sleds I also had to make a jig to cut the slots for the splines on the Maple And Padauk Box that I made. This is basically a cradle that holds your workpiece at a 45 degree angle to the tablesaw blade.

This was pretty simple and quick to build. It is just two pieces of 1″ X 4″ cut with 45 degree ends and then screwed to a piece of plywood so that two ends meet and are level with the bottom of the plywood.

To use it’s just a matter of setting your tablesaw fence to the depth that you want the slot cut and then cradle your workpiece in the jig and run it through the saw while keeping the back of the jig against the fence.

You can use this jig to put splines in boxes and picture frames.

Back to the shop…

When I made the Maple And Padauk Box last week I needed a 45 degree crosscut sled to cut the sides so I had to stop and make one first. I also made a 90 degree crosscut sled at the same time.

Both sleds are approximately 15″ X 11″ and made of plywood and Pine with Oak runners.

I find that these sleds make crosscuts a lot easier than using the miter and they minimize tearout.

I made the smaller 90 degree sled because often times I find my larger sled can be a bit of overkill when working with small pieces of wood like that used in making small boxes.

Back to the shop…

Here’s a couple of simple bowls made of Ash that I turned recently. This was the first time that I turned Ash so I found this to be a real treat since Ash is a local Nova Scotia tree.

As an added bonus I found it to be very easy to work with, sort of like cutting butter, and it finished up nicely.

The bowl on the left is approximately 3″ tall and 5″ in diameter with curved sides. The one on the right is approximately 2″ tall and 5″ in diameter with slightly angled sides. Both are finished with the EEE Cream and Shellawax.

Here are some more views of these bowls:

Continue reading 'A Couple Of Simple Bowls Of Ash'