Hardwood Cutting Board Workshop
About the Class
Design and build your own custom hardwood cutting board in this hands-on, two-session workshop. Working with cherry, walnut, and maple, students will learn essential woodworking skills while creating a durable, food-safe board from raw stock to finished product.
Session 1: Material Prep and Glue-Up
Students learn how to safely prepare and assemble their cutting board components.
Topics
• Understanding hardwood selection and grain direction
• Designing a striped cutting board layout
• Table saw safety and rip cutting techniques
• Miter saw use for accurate crosscuts
• Glue-up process and proper clamping methods
Hands-On Project
Students cut their hardwood boards to size, arrange their design, and glue and clamp their cutting board blank.
Session 2: Milling, Shaping, and Finishing
Students refine and complete their cutting boards using shop equipment and finishing techniques.
Topics
• Planer use to flatten and smooth glued panels
• Router table techniques for edge profiling
• Sanding progression for a smooth finish
• Applying food-safe oil and beeswax finish
Hands-On Project
Students plane, shape, sand, and finish their cutting board, leaving with a completed piece ready for use.
Course Outcomes
Students gain:
• Confidence using core woodworking machines including table saw, miter saw, and planer
• Understanding of wood movement, grain, and glue-up techniques
• Experience with sanding and finishing workflows
• A finished hardwood cutting board they designed and built
Provided
All materials including cherry, walnut, and maple hardwood, glue, finishing supplies, tools, safety equipment, and instruction.
What to Bring
Closed-toe shoes and hair tied back. All other gear will be provided.
