Since the cutting boards are usually around 12' - 14' wide, I make multiple extremely light passes through the planer and drum sander if I'm using that. I typically make my end grain cutting boards between 1-1/2' to 1 3/4' thick. Remember, though the eventual pieces will be cut short during the final step, all glue-ups are long-grain to long-grain- the strongest glue joint. I've never had a problem with a cutting board 'exploding' It could be an issue if you attempt to take too much off in a single pass, using brittle wood, don't use enough glue during assembly, or attempt to plane a thin board. First, I glue a long grain strip on the back edge to prevent large tear-out/chip offs. I always run my end grain cutting boards through my planer after all glue-ups are done. I use a planer to prepare stock and to dimension subassemblies- 3D end grain cutting boards can require multiple glue-ups and re-sawing. Like, with any project you also need a good blade (I mainly use a ripping blade) and an accurate rip fence on your table saw. I think it would be extremely difficult to make an end grain cutting board without a planer but a drum sander is sometimes nice to have. Good tutorial on making an end grain board:.Alan's boards are great examples of what's possible (nice work Alan!) Nothing beats end grain in terms of creativity, patterns, complexity, etc.Small boards are excellent for getting rid of scrap.When I'm cutting bulk for dinner, I use the big cutting board, but for a tomato, I want small board that's easy to handle and quick to wash. Don't underestimate the value of simpler, smaller boards.Many people are hesitant to cut on such a beautiful board, which means the advantages of end grain are moot.Most people do not know, understand, or appreciate the difference between a long grain and end grain board.

This can be a tricky operation, and flame wars have erupted over whether this is safe/ smart Some people use a planer to flatten an end grain board.Even a drum sander takes forever with end grain, the only thing that REALLY speeds things up is a wide belt sander.For every 10 minutes you spent aligning your saw (fence, sled, etc.) you'll save 2 hours of sanding end grain.Part of that work is fun (designing, ripping, gluing), most of it is not fun (sanding) End grain boards are 5x the work of a long grain board.

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