How to Make Epoxy Cutting Boards

Published 2019-09-26
This is about how to make live edge boards into epoxy resin cutting boards! But really, any boards will do. I'm using some air dried walnut and total boat epoxy with black diamond pigments to make these live edge epoxy cutting boards.

These are for sale, see below for the link if you want to buy these or my other cutting boards and for the discount code for TotalBoat epoxy!

Are these safe to cut on? I wouldn’t, the epoxy will flake. They’re best for serving. Why do I call them cutting boards? That’s what I grew up calling any cutting, serving, or charcuterie board or tray - and I doubt I’m the only one. Exercise your own good judgment about how you prepare what you put in your body.

To join the Patreon contest for the Ridgid Octane Jigsaw, head over to Patreon.com/youcanmakethistoo for more information! Contents and prizes change monthly.

ARTICLE
ycmt2.com/epoxy-cutting-boards/

Cutting Boards for Sale!
www.ycmt2.com/cuttingboards

DISCOUNT CODE:
Epoxy: www.totalboat.com/product/totalboat-thickset-casti… visit ycmt2.com/discounts for discount code

MATERIALS USED IN THIS PROJECT:
Epoxy: amzn.to/2mSB96y
Pigments: amzn.to/2mVUTpI
Tuck Tape: amzn.to/2nz4UK1
Micromesh Pads: amzn.to/2nqwysj
Mineral Oil: amzn.to/2m1F8xs

TOOLS I USE
ycmt2.com/tools-I-use

MY LINKS
Website: ycmt2.com/
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=4990417
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YouCanMakeThisToo/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/youcanmakethistoo/
Twitter: twitter.com/YouCanMakeThis2 @YouCanMakeThis2

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Music from Epidemicsound.com

1. Prepare the wood

My boards were pretty rough, so I had to mill them first. I used a planer sled to get a flat face and then planed the opposite side.

After they were planed, I removed the bark, cut the boards to length, and split them down the middle. This created the two sides for each cutting board.

2. Build a mold

I used 1/2” plywood for my mold. To make sure the epoxy won’t stick to it, I wrapped the whole thing in tuck tape. Taking care to seal the corners. If there’s anywhere for the epoxy to get out, it will!

The mold was basically a bottom piece, and then side pieces screwed to the bottom piece and each other to create chambers around the boards.

3. Mix and pour epoxy

I knew I would use a lot of epoxy to do three boards, but not how much. In total I ended up mixing 64 ounces for these three boards. I started with 32 ounces, which I knew wouldn’t be enough. After the first board, I had a good idea how much epoxy I would use.

Along the way I experimented with different epoxy pigments. Changing how much pigment, mixing pigments, etc… there’s a lot of creativity to be had here!

The most important thing is to watch for leaks, and be sure to follow the epoxy mixing instructions! If the ratio is off, or if it’s not mixed well enough.. it won’t cure properly!

4. Sand and finish the boards

After the epoxy had plenty of time to cure, I removed the boards from the mold and started flattening them. I used my drum sander, but a hand sander would be fine.

It’s important to go slow, sanding builds heat which can turn the epoxy into a gummy mess and clog the paper. In hindsight, it would have been better to leave the boards and bit thick and underfill the epoxy slightly, then sand the wood to meet the epoxy - instead of sanding the epoxy down to the board.

To get the clarity back to the epoxy I used a micro mesh pad kit and wet sanded through all the grits.

Finally, the boards got a mineral oil bath! They were allowed to soak for a day, and then I wiped off the excess.
#woodworking #cuttingboards #epoxy

All Comments (21)
  • There’s been enough demand that I’m willing to do another batch of epoxy boards.. but it won’t be until January. There just isn’t enough time to make more to have shipped in time for Christmas. But if you’d like to reserve a board you can pre-order a spot and pick a color here: www.ycmt2.com/store/pre-order-epoxy-cutting-boards

    To be clear.. these are not suited for cutting on! The epoxy is not FDA approved for food contact, but boards preordered will be sealed with a food safe finish that’s fine for food contact.
  • I really appreciate how you do things. I'm an 18 year old aspiring business owner and have been making tables, counter tops, and small artesian crafts for 2 years now. When I was getting into this a few years back I was insanely intimidated by the price of entry compared to the success rate and watching all of these channels like black tail studios which have a number of $5000 machines to their disposal not to mention the outrageous price of epoxy and metal. I never thought I would be able to partake in this as anything more than a side hobby. Watching your channel has inspired me when in a rut more than a few times granting me a new perspective to overcome my lack of equipment. Also these look great!
  • @arrowverse1980
    Thank you so much for having information in the description and good information in the video. It isn't just full of fluff like a lot of similar channels. It makes yours stand out and in a really good way.
  • @HeadWestOn90
    I really appreciate very much that you answer comments on a four year old video! I don't think I've ever seen a Youtuber do that before! The dark green and the darker of the blue boards were just gorgeous, gorgeous! 🥰🥰🥰
  • @domino0072007
    Omg, you're just like Walter White, workshop version ☺
  • @robcappa
    By far one of the best videos I have watched on this type of project. It’s really awesome when someone takes the time to walk the viewers through the entire process. Thank you.
  • Didn't think I would like the green but I was wrong, it along with the others are beautiful!
  • @TheRealCartman1
    Thank you for the video. I actually first saw this almost a year ago and it helped me decide to give it a try, first few boards went to family and friends as my technique improved, now have started getting a few requests for my boards.
  • @TaterChip91
    One of the best how to videos on this subject. I'm going to be trying my hand with this in the next few days, and I downloaded this video for quick access and reference when I start.
    Well explained and presented. Big help my man.
  • @atozoe8767
    Thank you for this video!! I am getting ready to make my first sample boards to start playing in the world of epoxy. I can't wait to get to the point that I am making something this beautiful! Great work! I am now subscribed!
  • @antiquelude
    Great craftsmanship man!
    And I also love how you took us along on the learning process rather than just editing that out. Really helpful.
  • @iowapanner2223
    Thanks Caleb, there are lots of good tips in the layout part even
    if a feller isn't planning an epoxy c-board it's a helpful video.
  • Love your work sir I'm building a counter top for my mom for Christmas, now I'm going to make a matching cuttingboard!!!
  • @MindiLynn3
    Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for this tutorial!!
  • @roitadmor
    Amazing work! Thank you for being so informative and not asking for pointless stuff in the begining of the video. Thumbs up
  • @ContractorJohn
    Huge Thank you! I am learning all I can about this process and I have watched a lot of videos and I HAVE to say your video are excellent!
  • @dc4334
    This is truly inspirational. You’re an amazing artist. Thank you for sharing this!
  • I watch a lot of these types of videos. Most have no talking which is fine but learning the wood working terminology from this video is great.