Build an Extra Large 20 in x 30 in Cutting Board with Scott Seaman of Seaman Custom Builds

Our good pal Scott Seaman of Seaman Custom Builds has been very busy with several large projects over the last couple of weeks. He recently completed the long awaited monster cutting board that he gifted to his brother-in-law. Getting the “monster” name comes from this board's sheer size, which measures up to 20 inches by 30 inches! Want to build your own extra large cutting board? Scott shared his steps in a series of three YouTube videos, which we gathered and transcribed for you below.

In the shop with Scott! Episode 30, fish landing net, massive chopping board and dovetails

 

I started by cutting some 1 in x 6 in Maple and Cherry boards I had on hand for a larger chopping board. I rough cut these to the needed length and then passed through the drum sander to remove any ridges from the planer. These [boards] were provided by Forest 2 Home.

I then ripped these down to an inch and ⅞ wide, which gave me three strips per board.

I recently talked with a neighbor who had a close call with a table saw, which is a good safety reminder to always use a push stick.

I glued this massive 20 in x 30 in edge grain board in two sections, so that I can still pass it through the planer. While the planer was set up and the glue dried on the chopping board, I pulled the sections out of the clamps and got them smoothed out. The two sections were glued and clamped again.

In the shop with Scott! Episode 31, monster chopping board, fish net and picture frame 

 

I started the week off running the monster chopping board through the drum sander to make sure it was nice, flat and smooth. Then, removed any marks with the orbital sander. Next, I squared up the edges on the table saw. I set up the router table with a round over bit. This would probably have been a better idea to use the handheld router. You live and learn I guess. This also turned out to be an issue since I decided to radius the corners after this was already done. My radius guide and two inch trim bit was delivered, so I got that set up.

I jumped back over the chopping board and put a nice curve on each edge. As I mentioned earlier, it would have been easier to use the handheld router for the round over. Here I am doing this step again now the radius was done. It’s been a while since I put a juice groove on a board and I had to make some larger guides for this monster. I made multiple passes taking just a little bit at a time to try and prevent any burn marks.

In the shop with Scott! Episode 32, chopping board, fish net, picture frame and a new project

I started off by routing grooves so it would be easy to life the board off a table or countertop. I did this by clamping stop blocks on each side then made a few passes slowly working the material away with a three quarter inch cove bit to minimize tear out and burns.

Then over to Mr. Burns 2.0 to engrave my brother-in-law’s name. The board is actually too big to close the lid on the enclosure.

With all the dust wiped off it was time to apply TotalBoat Wood Honey. This was the first time I used this product, but it wipes on like most of the other food grade board oils I’ve used. I’m looking forward to see how it holds up compared to those.