How To Build a Cutting Board

Cutting boards are a must-have in any kitchen.  If you have walked into the department store and priced cutting boards, you know they are not cheap.  It is fairly easy to make your own cutting board at home.  For a low-cost solution: if you can find someone who is tossing out oak pallets, grab them. This wood will make a durable, sturdy, cutting board. The supplies you will need are:  carpenter's glue, a pencil, tape measure, wood (1.5-inch thick oak or pine is best), a dowel (cut into one inch pieces), a drill, drill bits, and mineral oil.

1. The first step is to plan your design on paper.  Make sure you also include a top and bottom piece to finish the board. Once you have all the dimensions figured out, gather your wood pieces.
2. Taking your wood pieces, measure out and mark with a pencil the lines where you will cut. Using your table or circular saw, begin to cut the pieces to the length you need, repeating until all pieces are done. Now, place your wood pieces together to see if your assembly will be square. Here you can make any adjustments you need before continuing on to assembly.
3. Next, on the side of each piece of wood, mark where you will insert your dowels. Remember to make certain you have equal spacing down the side of the wood. For example, if your board is 2 feet long, you will want to place 2 dowels per piece. Taking your drill (a drill press works well) which is fitted with the appropriately sized bit, begin to drill your dowel holes. The hole you will be drilling will be half the length of the dowel.  It is a good idea to place a piece of masking tape on your drill bit to mark off when to stop. Drill your holes on each side of the wood pieces.
4. Taking your carpenter's glue, place a daub of glue into the holes on one side of the wood and insert the dowel. Repeat for each piece of wood until one side on each wood piece is complete. Then repeat with a daub of glue on the opposite side.  Using a mallet, gently tap the wood pieces in place, one by one. Once all pieces are placed together, place a 1"x2" or 2"x4" piece of wood on each side of the unfinished board, then clamp firmly. Repeat with top and bottom, gluing, and then clamping. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
5. The next step is for you to run your board through the surface planer. This will ensure a smooth, flat, even finish. Repeat as needed, until you are satisfied with the planing. Use a tack cloth to gently remove any remaining dust residue.  All that is left to do is to wipe on mineral oil for the finish, and your wood cutting board is done!