Free woodworking plan

Edge-Grain Hardwood Cutting Board

Difficulty: Beginner · Estimated time: about 4 hr of hands-on work, not counting glue and finish drying or cure time

A classic hardwood edge-grain cutting board — the perfect first project.

Glue up strips of maple and walnut into a durable cutting board finished with food-safe mineral oil. Teaches milling, glue-ups, flattening and finishing. Allow about 48 hours of glue and oil cure time on top of the work time.

Materials

• Maple board — 1 @ 3/4" x 6" x 36"
• Walnut board — 1 @ 3/4" x 4" x 36"
• Titebond III glue — 4 oz (The maker says it's approved for indirect food contact once cured)
• Mineral oil / board butter — 8 oz

Tools

• Table saw
• Bar clamps (4+)
• Random orbit sander
• Router with roundover bit (optional)

Safety: Power tools and finishes can cause serious injury. Read and follow every tool and product manual, use guards and push sticks, wear eye and hearing protection, and work in a ventilated area. These plans are for general information; check measurements and your own skill before cutting. You build at your own risk, and Handy at Home is not liable for injury or damage. See the Terms.

Steps

1. Rip strips

   Rip maple and walnut into 1-1/2" wide strips, all the same length (about 16").

   • Use a push stick for narrow rips.
   • Alternate species for a striped look.

2. Glue up

   Spread glue on each mating face, align strips, and clamp with even pressure. Wipe squeeze-out after 30 minutes.

   • Alternate clamps above and below to prevent bowing.

3. Flatten and trim

   After 24 hours, flatten with a hand plane or sander and crosscut both ends square.

   • Keep the board flat on the bench; chase high spots rather than sanding forever.
   • Square ends matter more than perfect length for a first board.

4. Shape edges

   Round over the edges with a router or sandpaper, then sand 80 → 120 → 180 → 220 grit.

   • Raise the grain with a damp cloth before the final grit.

5. Finish

   Flood the board with mineral oil, let soak 20 minutes, wipe off. Repeat 3 times over 24 hours.

   • Never use film finishes on cutting surfaces.

Always follow your tools’ safety instructions and wear eye protection. Free for personal use; please don’t resell or republish these plans.

© 2026 Handy at Home. Plan text and images are free for personal use only.