How To Make Charcuterie Boards

So you want to know how to make a charcuterie board huh? Well in this video I will at least show you my process for batching out some charcuterie boards out of a walnut slab as fast as I can for the purpose of reselling. Whether you call them charcuterie boards, cheese trays, serving trays or any other name the process of making them out of wood is pretty much the same. There are some processes that could speed up the time to make them even faster than I do but I like to at least put a little time into the designs of the boards. I like to let the grain of the wood "speak" to me and show me how the boards are going to look.
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Cutting Boards and Charcuterie Boards for sale in my Etsy store.
www.etsy.com/shop/LTDWoodwork...
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Now selling T-shirts of all kinds! New designs added all the time. If interested visit - teespring.com/stores/ltd-wood...
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Tools, Camera Gear and Supplies used.
Starbond KBL-500 Black Medium Thick CA Glue - amzn.to/3eWwNlL
Starbond Instant Set Accelerator - amzn.to/2UoUiKy
UltraPro Food Grade Mineral Oil, 1 Gallon - amzn.to/3eYpxph
WALRUS OIL - Wood Wax, 3 oz Can, FDA Food-Safe - amzn.to/38IgSXe
DEWALT Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch - amzn.to/2RSzFpt
WEN 6510T 3.5 Amp Oscillating Spindle Sander - amzn.to/2UUQzFB
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Digital Camera - amzn.to/3ciOx82
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone with Shock Mount - amzn.to/37ooLhy
The above links are affiliate links for some of the items I use. This means if you purchase anything through these links I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Just a small way to support my channel.
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Website - www.ltdwoodworks.com
Instagram - / ltdwoodworks1
Facebook - / ltdwoodworks

[@joebyrne98]

Beautiful work!! Do you save and reuse the mineral oil between batches or do you have to dump it?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! Yep, I save it. I need to do a better job of getting the sanding dust off the wood before I soak the boards. There’s quite a bit in the oil. But I don’t think it’s going to effect anything. This method is much easier so give it a try. Just clean the boards real well unlike me😉

[@joebyrne98]

@@LTDWoodworks Thanks John!

[@miketaylor9258]

Beautiful work, how thick are the boards, and any idea of the moisture content? Cheers from Nova Scotia

[@ericwilliams538]

@@LTDWoodworks I pretty much do the same thing with my mineral oil. Reuse it, after soaking my wood sculptures in the oil. Yes, some wood dust, and little chips get in it, but I have never had any issues with the end result.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thanks! My boards average around a 1/2” to 3/4”. And they are dry around 7 to 9%.

[@philipdavison4066sawdust]

Absolutely gorgeous mate, big thumbs up. Thank you for introducing me to your work lovely 👍👍👍

[@Real_Life_Is_More_Important]

No! It looked so nice before you cut the bark off! What abummer! I guess that raw edge look isn't for everyone but dang... it's so gorgeous!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ha, ya, I don’t have the trust to sell them with the bark on. Always worried it will come off at some point. Oh well, these still sell like hotcake during the holidays! Thanks for watching!👍

[@TammyPaul-tk8sl]

Thank you for a great tutorial!! Lots of good information for a beginner like me!

[@saltycrow]

That was gorgeous walnut. Mighty fine charcuterie boards❤

[@dschnell-yl4mc]

So beautiful, thanks for making the video.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheBengstonWoodshop]

These are amazing! I'm stepping my game up now!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! So far I'm getting lucky and finding wood with great grain patterns. I've started saying "I let the wood do the talking", meaning I let it decide sometimes where to make cuts for the shape. I think that really makes a difference. Thanks again and thanks for watching!

[@lquick6]

So very helpful. Thank you.

[@LTDWoodworks]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@dianapina961]

Absolutely beautiful

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@Dutchshedwoodshop]

They turned outvery beautiful! 👍👍

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you sir!

[@jeffshinholster7052]

Good job on all here...video, production, details on flattening the boards etc....I especially love the mineral oil bath....Its like watching an explosion of grain and color.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching! Yes, that bath is always my favorite part too👍

[@WhiteLabWorkshop]

Awesome, John! I love the look of the live edge!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@Poor_Mans_DIY]

The boards look beautiful!!!! Absolutely wonderful job. I am working on some things for Christmas gifts and your tips will come in very handy!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@ngocdiy4817]

I love tray❤your DIY products very nice. Thanks you for sharing

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@mauricemcloughlin8261]

Fantastic tips for a beginner like me. Sincere thanks my friend.

[@LTDWoodworks]

You’re welcome! And thanks for watching!👍

[@TheGrantAlexander]

Gotta love walnut charcuterie boards 😊

[@LTDWoodworks]

Yep, my favorite!😊

[@creationsbyhellena6737]

Your boards are simply GORGEOUS 😍😍😍

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! Won’t be long before another batch is ready to be made. Thanks for watching!👍

[@jareddouglas37]

Love these!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍

[@cherieantoinetteart7776]

I had wood shop in jr high school I’m 51 now…and I hate that I didn’t know I would be an artist later in life because I definitely would have paid more attention and learned a lot more! I truly respect your work sir!!!

[@waterlilly62lori]

So beautiful

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you 👍

[@cindykiefnerthecoppertorch7789]

Just gorgeous!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@AndyCPugh]

They look great!

[@robertelias3431]

Very good explanation on how to make the cutting boards. U dun good. Thanks

[@HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

I love Plaining, it is one of my most favorite things next to paint and staining things 🥰

[@LTDWoodworks]

Mine too! Thanks for watching!

[@heyimamaker]

They turned out amazing, and that walrus finish also looks really nice! Odies oil is also supposed to be food safe.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! Ya, I’ll have to look into Odies. It’s always good to have alternatives for something 👍

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Beautiful stuff 👍👍

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@ElCidPhysics90]

Dang that’s some beautiful wood. If you ever start to hate walnut let me know. I know someone who could take it away for you. Great job on the boards.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thanks! Ha, I keep all my walnut locked up nice and safe where no one will ever find it! Hahaha 🤣 Thanks for watching!👍

[@ElCidPhysics90]

@@LTDWoodworks lol. You’re welcome

[@paulcarlson3261]

Excellent video - making some of these for my wife’s Celebration of Life

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you. Sorry for your loss. If you ever have any questions on making your boards just let me know.

[@thetravellingphotographer3417]

Lovely work

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@dejanmiljevic8974]

Great work👏

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@BusyBeeLiving]

Love how that mineral oil enhances the natural beauty of the walnut. Well done

[@LTDWoodworks]

Yes, like I said, my favorite thing to do it to put on the oil!😀 Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@jacobsbeekeeping]

Love it.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@erinikeuchi6447]

Beautiful

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@how2q]

Great video...good use of camera/angles...appreciate all the work!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@michaelwray4359]

Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful talent sire very awesome

[@LTDWoodworks]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@gauranga0208]

Nicely done. Great Job. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@georgepaton222]

liked the glue down planner sled idea

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thanks, ya, it works great! I use it all the time. Thanks for watching!

[@sumosprojects]

These are beautiful mate, great attention to detail 🎥🔨👍, greetz from Australia

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@pfiltz]

Small time wood worker here. Mainly pens and bowls. Going to pick up my first slab of Black Walnut today, to "try" to make some of these. Yes, I agree. LOVE black walnut as well. Thanks so much for taking the time to show the process. BTW, I hate sanding... :) it comes with the territory I guess.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Great, hope they come out well for you! For sanding, yes, it's a pain but the effort is well worth it! Thanks for watching!

[@HilderbrandOutdoors]

Cool looking shop. Nice tip with the glue gun. Nice boards. Thanks for sharing.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍

[@brucegor]

i agree beautiful work. Should be called "how to charge 50 bucks for 20 dollars worth of food...and what the hell is a razorclam :)

[@gyulakovacs1334]

Hey LTD Woodworks, very nice job.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!👍

[@JustMightDIY]

Oh these look beautiful! You did such a great job on them. The finish really makes them pop. Kudos!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you so much guys!

[@ronaldlewis1158]

Very nice

[@LTDWoodworks]

@@ronaldlewis1158 Thank you!

[@maryannschuetz5155]

I'm tardy as always!!! First video I've seen of yours. I clicked all the bells & have visited Etsy. Fabulous work! 🔥🔥🔥

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@gyulakovacs1334]

Nice job.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@waterlilly62lori]

Thank you

[@tfturning]

Lovely job John, really like these! I've recently been using a surface planer and I could watch flat boards come out of there all day long lol, so satisfying!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thanks! Ya, it’s like finding treasure sometimes. The board you just saw on my Instagram I had NO idea it would be like that in its rough form. But after a few passes, boom, perfect grain pattern👍

[@tfturning]

@@LTDWoodworks Absolutely, soon as I saw it I had to watch the video! 👍

[@tommontagliani690]

These boards look great and keep up the good work . I'm getting into this after we get rid of all this snow and I can actually access my garage lol . Canadian winters are sooo much fun lol

[@tommontagliani690]

Also gonna do some stained skid furniture but with a twist . I'm gonna use a wood burning kit to incorporate my logo . I can't wait till spring lol

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ya, my winters are no where as bad as yours. We just had about 7-8 inches which is no big deal. Still wish it would melt quickly as it’s been over a week. Thanks for watching and good luck on your furniture!👍

[@tommontagliani690]

@@LTDWoodworks we got almost a foot and a half over night. It was fucked lol . Haven't seen snow like that in about 10 years

[@ronniehughes2207]

nice work

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@kenburnette1121]

Thanks!!!

[@LTDWoodworks]

You’re welcome!👍

[@ericwilliams538]

Now I know what to do with my scrap planks of walnut!!!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ya man, go for it! They sell real easy especially right before the holidays 👍

[@kylescott6225]

Nice

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you 👍

[@aloseman]

Supported you for free by liking, subscribing and commenting. Thanks for the video! I really liked the flattening board idea using the hot glue.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!👍

[@laylabono4035]

Who here April 2023 good job 5 stars.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@grisseldog]

Well Done

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@user-mc9uw6dz1z]

The best!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@garyhorner5289]

Looks damn good buddy !!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@kevinomahoney408]

These are 👍

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you 👍

[@ScottSpeedPro]

Great video!! Adding a couple of hand planes to the mix would greatly reduce the time and amount of sanding you have to do.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thanks! I’ll give that a try next time I batch some out. Thanks for watching 👍

[@edwarduribe2910]

holy cow. you had me at the hot glue planer tip...

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ya man, easy and it works great!👍

[@sumandl]

Nice work Sir. Subbed

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

Very nicely done on this video, as well as the wood working. You did a great job on all these. Thank you for taking the time to make this video and share your process with us. Thank you sir, PS new sub here. Keep up the great work looking forward to seeing more from your channel. Dale PS, favorited your shop as well, you will know its me, same logo as on this comment. Thanks again, and good luck with your future sales. Dale

[@LTDWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks on both accounts!

[@bobboyer9440]

I make my own finishing paste. I use mineral oil and bees wax which I heat up in a double boiler to blend.

[@LTDWoodworks]

It's on my list to one day make my own. For now for the sake of time because of my busy schedule I use the Walrus oil or similar products. Course maybe I can get my wife to help and make some up🤔😊 Thanks for watching!

[@BuildDadBuild]

Amazing work, brother. Nice work. Subbed FO SHO! Cheers!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Much appreciated!

[@CharacterRedWorkshop]

Love how these turned out brother! That big one is a work of art for sure 🙌🏻

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! Ya, I really like how these came out as well! Even the smaller one with a handle I like because it looks like a wood hand saw😊

[@kenlong1758]

Beautiful charcuterie boards. Question, how thin are the boards? Or a better question, what minimum thickness do you recommend, or does that depend on the size of the board?

[@kylehamon1264]

Really super beautiful and very informative. Definitely subscribing. You said you let them set for an hour, does that mean you leave them in the oil for an hour? If not how long do you let them soak? Thanks!

[@LTDWoodworks]

I would say for face grain boards like these up to an hour is just fine. I have actually done far less and have seen no difference. Just last night I made a board for a family member and left it in there for five minutes. Seems just fine to me. Sometimes my busy schedule just gets in the way and the boards soak for longer than really needed. Which I personally don't think is a bad thing. Now if these were end grain cutting boards that's a different story. I definitely let those soak overnight. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and subbing!

[@mikesmith2102]

The glob of hot glue on a warped board is great. The hot glue will spread out and fill whatever space it needs too when you push down on it before it cools to a hard blob.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Yep, definitely a great trick to use around the shop👍

[@nyseman100]

I say...u go to town a lot....must be nice.. PS excellent work.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@bobk7132]

Great video and the boards are beautiful. Do you ever run into any issues with the finished boards starting to twist or cup?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you. No. At least not that I’m aware of. I only use wood that has been properly dried. Doing so should ensure that the wood will not move after you’re done. Thanks again!👍

[@jeffpulmano6970]

Stumbled across your page the content was very detailed & will enjoy going through your previous content! I have 1 question though, do have a particular thickness you like to use in making these boards? Thank you in advance from California.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Yep, I typically stay around 1/2 to 3/4”. My opinion is that’s just a good thickness. However, I know a guy on Instagram that sells most of his around 1” thick. So I guess it’s just a matter of opinion. Thanks for watching!

[@matthyland1218]

Great work. Just curious what kind of defects prevented the other cut outs from being used

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! Ya, they're still sitting around my shop somewhere waiting to be used for something. From memory one had a very large "void" around an inch by three inches. I couldn't see a way at the time to cut it out of the board to make a nice shape. The other one has lots of bug holes plus a crack running down almost the full length of the board. I could still maybe use that one by filling the cracks and bug holes with the black CA glue. I just didn't want to spend the time fixing it at that time. Thanks again!

[@kenlong1758]

What material did you use to fill the voids?

[@TheFlyingCarpenterOfficial]

sounds like you "got to town" a lot ! haha

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ha, I had to rewatch the video to see what you were talking about. Yep, I’d say that phrase got stuck in my head that day👍 Thanks for watching!

[@triplebministries]

I really enjoyed your video. What should the moisture content be before making the charcuterie boards?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Mine are usually around 8 to 10%. Course this my very depending on the time of year and location. Dryer climates versus wetter,etc. Thanks for watching!👍

[@jacksonhogue5754]

These turned out beautiful!! Just wondering what kind of mineral oil do you use to let the boards soak?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! There's a link in the description for the oil I use. Basically it's just a gallon size of food grade mineral oil. I think I started off with 3 gallons in that container and it's lasted quite a while for me with the small amount of boards I make. Thanks for watching!

[@vicstewart4849]

Where did you purchase your branding iron?

[@ParkourBros]

Man I would kill for a slab like that

[@LTDWoodworks]

Do you have local sawmills near you with walnut? That’s where I get mine.

[@Alliejen12345]

Your the first I’ve seen use 600 grit. I was recently given 1800 600 grit 6” orbital discs. Wasn’t sure what to do with them. Anybody need any? Great video and gorgeous boards.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ya, I use that grit because it comes in as part of a bulk order when I order sandpaper. So since I have it I figure I'll use it. Is it absolutely necessary? Probably not. But I do like giving the boards that little something extra. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching!

[@dawnske15]

Hello. Great video. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Where did you get your branding iron?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Got it from Budget Branding Irons. Great quality at a great price 👍 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Sharon-el5jn]

Hi, very nice boards. Where did you get your branding iron? I didn't see it in your list of products. I think that makes a great addition to the board as well as continued advertising.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Got mine from Budget Branding Irons. Great quality at a good price. I actually need to get another smaller one. Sometimes my current one is just too big. Thanks for watching!👍

[@andyadams6400]

Very nice, where can i get a branding iron that's a nice touch thewoodworkingquad

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you 👍 I got mine from Budget Branding Irons. Very nice quality 👍

[@dinotakterov4938]

Any thoughts on being able to make them out of either Ash or Hickory? I know that those are 2 very dense hardwoods. Sure appreciate your time and thanks so much for this video! 🙂

[@LTDWoodworks]

I would say as long as they are hardwoods your good to go! You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@tmise50]

They are beautiful! What do you typically charge for these?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Check out the link in the description that will get you to my Etsy store. Two of these boards are currently up for sale on there. The small rectangle board in this video sold before it was even done for $45.00usd.

[@robertcappallo8867]

What do you sell boars like this for I always have problems pricing my project for sell? Beautiful boards great job!

[@LTDWoodworks]

I do a lot of research on what they are selling for mainly on Etsy. Yes, some people sell them for way too cheap so I go for the higher end of the price scale. The right people will pay more so I wait for them. If I remember right I think the biggest one sold for around $100usd. The smaller one I sold to a coworker for $40usd. Thanks for watching and commenting!👍

[@francisschmitz84]

Stunning work! Did you say walrus wax?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! Yes, it’s Walrus Oil wood wax. There’s a link in the description if you want to get some👍

[@dalepaull8905]

Beautiful boards!! Do you ever have an issue with them cupping? If not is there anything you do in your process to prevent it? Thanks for posting your content

[@LTDWoodworks]

So far, no. At least no customers have told me so. And one board I gave my mom a year ago is still doing just fine. The important thing is to use dry wood. If you use wood that is still “wet” and make a finished board with it, it will warp or cup on you as it dries. A lot of the walnut I’ve been using has been dried for years and is in the “upstairs” portion of my shop staying dry up there. I’m running out of that supply so I’ve started buying either kiln dried wood to use right away or new “wet” wood that will be stored until dry. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@dalepaull8905]

@@LTDWoodworks Thanks for the reply and keep up the fantastic work!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Will do, thanks!

[@dalepage5511]

Hey, LTD, thanks for making this video. What you called "warped" and required a shim to be glued on is actually "twist." I like your technique of make a loop handle rather than just a hole for hanging. Your using the grain for the shape of the board is an especially good technique.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you. Yes, I sometimes just use the term warped as a general term for when wood has changed shape of any kind. Not saying I'm correct, just what I do. Thanks again.

[@georgesavage3482]

Do you try to keep the thickness around 3/4” to 1”? What do think is the perfect thickness of a Charcuterie board? Thanks for the video

[@LTDWoodworks]

I personally have a range of no less then a half inch. Typically though they are around 5/8" to 3/4". However, I watch a guy on Instagram who sells lots at around 1". So I think it's really just personal preference.

[@henriwolbrink]

Would olive wood be good to use? And which cut would be strongest/nicest. Disks, length or diagonal? Latter ones for more oval shapes. Thanks for any answers.

[@34813ctr]

hope you dont mind another question - Im looking for a branding iron - where did you order yours from Burt

[@LTDWoodworks]

No worries, ask away👍 I got it from Budget Branding Irons. Great quality. I actually plan on getting another smaller one👍

[@jorgevolky8257]

Greetings, excellent work. What would be the approximate cost for each foot of a picador like that?

[@jorgevolky8257]

I already saw it in the video description, thank you very much.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ok, glad you found the info you needed because at this time I'm not sure what you were asking about🤔 Anyway, Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@dellmeredith3182]

is it safe to leave the live edge on the sides somewhat rough or does it need the fine sanding and oil then wax on it?

[@LTDWoodworks]

I’d say that’s a matter of opinion question. Some may like the rough look and others may like it smooth. My preference is to have it smooth. Also, having the oil and wax on all surfaces helps to protect the wood. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@mattsnyder7311]

Did you round over all the edges (including the sides where bark was removed with the draw knife) with the router on the largest board? Or just the edges that were cut with the bandsaw and the inside of the handle hole?

[@LTDWoodworks]

I only use the router on the regular edges that were cut with the bandsaw. The edges where the bark was I round over by hand with a power sander first and then with sanding sponges. Finally just holding fine grit paper in my hand. LOTS of sanding but worth it!😊

[@mattsnyder7311]

@@LTDWoodworks Greatly appreciate the reply and the info...Great content man!

[@LearnwithLevi]

Where would you recommend getting wood for this project?

[@LTDWoodworks]

I always check local sawmills. I have one nearby me that I use quite often. Much better prices but sometimes have to buy fresh wood and wait for it to dry. Or other times I may buy kiln dried wood. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching 👍

[@vicstewart4849]

Where did you get your branding iron?

[@LTDWoodworks]

I got it from Budget Branding Irons. Great quality 👍 I’m actually going to order another one that will be smaller. I figure that on some of these smaller boards the current one is just a bit big. Thanks for watching 👍

[@rogerfriedrich9317]

Who makes your branding iron

[@LTDWoodworks]

Budget Branding Irons. Great quality and price👍

[@dannymelgarejo8805]

where did you get the branding iron?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Budget Branding Irons. Great quality and a good price so be sure to look them up👍

[@douglasmooneyham4916]

Where did you get your logo brander

[@LTDWoodworks]

Budget Branding Irons. Check them out, great quality!👍

[@ericmoorehead1100]

Do you save and reuse the mineral oil?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Sure do. I keep several gallons in a plastic storage container.