Cutting butcher block counter tops

[dhort55]

I am doing a cabinet and counter top install in a home, and the resident has chosen to have butcher block counter tops installed. The tops were purchased from Southeastern Salvage, and were listed as being made of "rubber wood". I have never worked with this type of wood before. I am going to be cutting the tops with a circular saw and wood like to know what type of blade wood serve best for this material? These tops are 1 inch thick.............any input would be a great help. Thanks

[TDHofstetter]

Sharp.

No, really. That's a neat wood - a very top-end wood. It should machine very much like oak or maple. For crosscutting, use a SHARP crosscutting blade... and for ripping, use a SHARP ripping blade.

That's gonna' be a real premium countertop.

-- Tim --


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[dhort55]

Thanks for the input Tim. I am going to cut those tops tomorrow, and just needed some help on blade selection. Most of my cuts will be crosscut or 45 degree. I take it from your reply that there is no special tooth qty, other than standard cross cut or rip blade. Thanks again..Don

[carl civi]

Wheni did one I cut the sink cut out with a Bosh Jigsaw, and then cleaned the opening with a router. I then coated the sawcut with epoxy Carl
http://www.talltimbers.etsy.com

http://www.pensbycarlo.com

[cabinetman]

Rubberwood is a very dense hardwood in the Maple family. I would use a carbide tipped blade no finer tooth count than 40T. Cut so that the good side is down if using a circular saw. Use a straightedge that won't slip, or one that can be clamped to the top. Don't try to cut too fast.

[dhort55]

Thanks for all the tips. I have made the first couple of cuts and everything seems to be going fine. I am cutting with a 40 tooth Freud blade on a circular saw. Will update on my progress and try to post some pic's when I finish.