Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Jan 13, 2007 12:50am | #1

   Hi Tony,

   I thought I'd jump in on this question just in case Gary doesn't get to it.

   There are no hard and fast rules as to what woods can be used for cutting boards, but there are a few things to look out for. Some woods are notorious for causing allergies and aren't ideal as a food prep surface.

   For example, I get itchy skin from walnut sawdust and have gotten even worse rashes from exotics like cocobolo. However, these allergens don't effect everyone the same way so another person might not have a problem.

   Because you'll be preparing food on this, it's better to be safe than sorry. Stick with standard hardwoods for the majority of the cutting board and use others for small decorations.

   Below is a great article we published on the basics of making a cutting board. Give it a read for some more tips about lumber and construction.

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesPDF.aspx?id=25268

   Regards,
   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

    

   
   

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   Edited 1/12/2007 7:40 pm ET by MBerger

2. 
   user-148830 | Jan 18, 2007 09:21pm | #2

   Tony,
   I haven't used ipe for a cutting board. Put a piece in your mouth and see if you're allergic to it. Seriously. If you have a reaction to it, it won't be good for your cutting board. Ipe is however hard as a goldang rock. So if you can work it, it should hold up just fine as a cutting board surface.

   The woods I find that do the best for cutting boards are the white woods: maple, birch, beech. All diffuse porous hardwoods. Walnut can be used but is soft it will wear out fast. Cherry is fine. All of these woods will discolor with iron and water in contact with them. Avoid ring porous woods like oak or ash. The pores will just fill with crud over time.
   Gary

1. 
   tonybart | Jan 19, 2007 04:53pm | #3

   THANK YOU, APPRECIATE YOUR REPLY.