Maple cutting boards

[Dick Benedict]

I am making maple cutting boards for xmas presents. I need some advice on how to finish them if a finish is appropriate. I have thought to either do nothing to them or apply vegetable oil. Any suggestions?

[Charlie Cadenhead]

Don't use vegetable oil or olive oil because it will turn rancid.
Go to the drugstore and buy a bottle of Mineral Oil. You'll find it in the laxative section. I apply a heavy coat of Mineral Oil to my cutting boards and let it set overnight and then repeat with another coat. When you give out your cutting boards, include instructions to handwash and dry, don't soak in water and reapply Mineral oil every 4 to 6 months to keep the wood from drying out.

I rip my scrap boards (cherry, maple, and a little walnut)in 1" widths and then flip them up to get a 1" thick cutting board. You can make the boards as thick as you want that way. I use
Titebond 2 glue and have never had a board come apart. I like to use mostly cherry with maple and walnut accents. When you mix different colors of wood, it can be very pretty.

Good luck, Charlie

[woodmannie]

You don't have to finish them at all. But if you do, try walnut oil. You could use Salad Bowl Finish, but the rags have been known to spontaneously combust (spelling not my strong point).

[Ralph]

I took a woodworking course where we made cutting boards. Our instructor, a 25 year experienced Wood Shop teacher, had us use a 50/50 mix of mineral oil and bees wax, heating the mix to warm it so the bees wax completely melts. Using a clean cloth, wipe the solution on the board liberally, let it dry for 10-15 minutes and then wipe/buff with another clean cloth. The finish came out great on my walnut cutting board. Repeat the coating every 3-6 months depending on how often it is used.

Hope this helps. Ralph

[Steve P]

Straight Mineral Oil. Reapply a new light coat to dry overnight about 3-4 times a year or when you remember.