Cutting a butcher block top

franincanton

I have a small roll away thing in my kitchen that has a butcher block on top. It is about 1 1/2" thick. My space between the dishwasher and stove is very narrow and that is where I've got the piece. Can the butcher block be cut successfully? It has rounded corners. Is there any way to round the corners some after cutting it? Thanks!

Daniel Holzman

Butcher block is typically hard maple. It can be cut successfully using a variety of tools, including a circular saw, table saw, chop saw, or a router. After it is cut to size, you can get rounded edges using a router with an appropriate carbide tipped bit.

franincanton

Thanks for your expertise. Have a nice weekend.

mae-ling

If using a circular saw cut from the backside and use a straightedge. Gives a cleaner cut.

franincanton

The butcher is typical with the different color woods next to each other. There are definite lines where the woods butt up to one another. Is there a good way to saw a nice clean line between the two woods? Hope I'm clear with my explanation. I don't want where the wood is glued to each piece to come apart and then I have a mess.

joecaption

Not going to happen there glued together.
No router, just sand the edges to make it rounded.
Apply some mineral oil to the exposed edges.
Do not use vegatable oil it will go rancid.

oh'mike

Modern wood glue is stronger than the wood it holds together---

I second Joes suggestion--sand paper will round over the edge just fine for a small project like that--

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

chrisBC

yeah, sanding carefully you can re-create the rounded edge pretty well.

Remember the saw blade will take an eighth of an inch when cutting. As mentioned cut with good side down when using a skillsaw, make sure to use a good finishing blade, I find a skillsaw works best, straitedge is a good idea as well. Often easier to apply your oil/finish before installing it.