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Cutting Boards

677 Views 14 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  Vicky Huang
Greeting’s
Wondering if there is any reason I can’t use ash for a cutting board. I’ve made a few out of walnut and maple, but I’d like to use other species.
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Generally it is not considered a good choice, however it can be used as per this blog:
Generally it is not considered a good choice, however it can be used as per this blog:
Well thank you. Reading through the links I was able to learn a few things.
Hi
We've been making ash and oak cutting boards. As long as it is properly hydrated with mineral oil, there shouldn't be any problem.
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If you really need to use ash or have a unique piece, I would seal it with 100% organic Tung oil, like HOPE's. First couple coats diluted with D-Limonene. I sealed my maple dough board this way and looks great and definitely sealed.
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I generally stayed away from open grained woods. Blood n such getting into the pores. Hard maple works well. And use a foodsafe glue. But hey that's just me
I generally stayed away from open grained woods. Blood n such getting into the pores. Hard maple works well. And use a foodsafe glue. But hey that's just me
Thank you
I generally stayed away from open grained woods...
The Wood Whisperer has an interesting way of sealing open pores in cutting boards with varnish. Haven't tried it yet but looks cool.
The Wood Whisperer has an interesting way of sealing open pores in cutting boards with varnish. Haven't tried it yet but looks cool.
Maybe but why ?
I have a dedicated meat trimming edge glued cutting board, finished with 3 or 4 layers of Arm-R-Seal, dried for couple months before using it. I have it for few years now. Definitely no blood can touch the raw wood under those layers:)
Obviously I don't use it for chopping, I have a couple End grain boards for that.
Maybe go that route? depending what the cutting board will be used for.
Maybe but why ?
End Grain boards have a tendency to darken after a while. It blooms in the first oiling, looks great in the pictures and videos but not for a long time. I have a walnut and oak end-grain board. Doesn't give the checkerboard contrast that looks awesome in videos.
Unless the pores are sealed, the problem will persist.
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The Wood Whisperer has an interesting way of sealing open pores in cutting boards with varnish. Haven't tried it yet but looks cool.
Is varnish food safe?
Thanks guys. A lot of information here.
Is varnish food safe?
If you let it dry until it's odorless + you won't chop on it the answer is almost :) definitely safer then those plastic cutting boards, I would say.
A lot depends on type of wood. My bocote tea box lid was drying for months, it's odorless now. And I wiped it with alcohol + shellaced it before applying Arm_R_Seal.
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Ash is a hardwood that is commonly used in furniture and woodworking projects, and it can also be used for cutting boards. However, there are some factors to consider before using ash for a cutting board.

Firstly, ash is known for having open grain, which means it can be more difficult to keep clean than woods with tighter grain patterns like maple. Additionally, the open grain can make it more prone to bacteria growth, which is not ideal for a cutting board.

To address these issues, you can fill the grain with a food-safe epoxy or use a butcher block oil that will help fill the grain and protect the wood. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance of the cutting board can help prevent bacteria growth.

It's also important to note that some people may have allergies to certain woods, including ash. If you or anyone who will be using the cutting board has a known allergy to ash, it's best to avoid using it.

Ultimately, if you take the proper precautions and ensure that the cutting board is properly sealed and maintained, ash can be a suitable wood species for a cutting board.
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