I got “asked” to build 5 cutting boards as gifts.  End grain ones, of course.  They are hard maple with an outside frame of walnut.  Really not looking forward to how I would get rid of squeeze out, flatten, etc. without using my benchtop planer (Dewalt 734).   I neither own, nor know anyone that has, a wide belt sander.   

Watched all the videos saying “do it”, “never do it”, … 

So, I just flattened one side (took out the twist) enough so they didn’t rock (with a belt sander), chamfered the leading and trailing edges with a block plane, crossed my fingers, puckered up appropriately, and fed them through with VERY light cuts (1/8 turn of handle each time).  

Poof, it works.   Not a single tear out.  Not sure if it was skill or just luck, but I’ll take it. 

YMMV.