How To Make Charcuterie Boards

[@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%.

[@fredmunson8603]

Your so right, sand, sand and more sanding. Love your video.

[@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!👍

[@HilderbrandOutdoors]

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

[@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!

[@jareddouglas37]

Love these!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍

[@saltycrow]

That was gorgeous walnut. Mighty fine charcuterie boards❤

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you! I to had shop class in high school. Made nothing like I do now😉 Wish schools would bring that class back. So worth it for many reasons 👍 Thanks again!👍

[@philipdavison4066sawdust]

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

[@ngocdiy4817]

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

[@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!

[@HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

Mine too! Thanks for watching!

[@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 👍

[@robertelias3431]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍

[@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👍

[@Tammy_Paul]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@thetravellingphotographer3417]

Lovely work

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@waterlilly62lori]

So beautiful

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you 👍

[@michaelwray4359]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@edwarduribe2910]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ya man, easy and it works great!👍

[@how2q]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@dianapina961]

Absolutely beautiful

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@cindykiefnerthecoppertorch7789]

Just gorgeous!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@creationsbyhellena6737]

Your boards are simply GORGEOUS 😍😍😍

[@LTDWoodworks]

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

[@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 👍

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 👍

[@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

[@gauranga0208]

Nicely done. Great Job. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@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?

[@lquick6]

So very helpful. Thank you.

[@LTDWoodworks]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@waterlilly62lori]

Thank you

[@mauricemcloughlin8261]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

You’re welcome! And thanks for watching!👍

[@kenlong1758]

What material did you use to fill the voids?

[@erinikeuchi6447]

Beautiful

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@kylescott6225]

Nice

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you 👍

[@dschnell-yl4mc]

So beautiful, thanks for making the video.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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 👍

[@gyulakovacs1334]

Nice job.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@kenburnette1121]

Thanks!!!

[@LTDWoodworks]

You’re welcome!👍

[@TheGrantAlexander]

Gotta love walnut charcuterie boards 😊

[@LTDWoodworks]

Yep, my favorite!😊

[@kevinomahoney408]

These are 👍

[@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!

[@garyhorner5289]

Looks damn good buddy !!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@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!👍

[@gyulakovacs1334]

Hey LTD Woodworks, very nice job.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you 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 👍

[@ronniehughes2207]

nice work

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@dejanmiljevic8974]

Great work👏

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@Dutchshedwoodshop]

They turned outvery beautiful! 👍👍

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you sir!

[@ZacharyRaymond-i7z]

John, awesome video. I’m attempting to to do the same thing. I cut down an oak tree in my fiancés grandmothers yard and wanted to make these for my fiancé and her sisters. I’ve cut about 2 in slabs from a section of the tree about 16x16 in square. How long do you think I need to wait to let them dry before beginning the process?

[@LTDWoodworks]

The general rule of thumb is around one year per inch thickness of wood. So looks like you’re going to have to wait a couple of years. You could re-saw it to one inch to save on dry time. I bring my wood in at 1 inch and haven’t had much trouble with warping. Good luck with your gifts. I know they will love them 👍

[@grisseldog]

Well Done

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@jacobsbeekeeping]

Love it.

[@LTDWoodworks]

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!

[@AndyCPugh]

They look great!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@ГеннадийЩербаков]

The best!

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@nyseman100]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@rogerfriedrich9317]

Who makes your branding iron

[@LTDWoodworks]

Budget Branding Irons. Great quality and price👍

[@ericmoorehead1100]

Do you save and reuse the mineral oil?

[@LTDWoodworks]

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

[@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 👍

[@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!

[@sumosprojects]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@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👍

[@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.

[@LTDWoodworks]

I actually just saw an Olive wood board for sale on line today. And it was beautiful 👍 So yes, I’d say it’s a good wood. In my opinion these boards don’t need to be strong. They’re usually just holding some food. So I would say any of those cuts would be just fine. Let your imagination go wild👍

[@henriwolbrink]

@@LTDWoodworks Thanks for your quick reply. I plan to prepare for the next BBQ season. As this was the second one without work due to all COVID19 restrictions here in Spain. But my wood supplier can also get hold of a lot of olive trunks. And I would really like to make a serving board for my products. Including whole piglets or sheep. Search for #puraleña BBQ-XXL and you'll see my 'hobby'. Just love to see happy people.

[@Marty6192]

what size branding iron is that?

[@LTDWoodworks]

If I remember correctly (out of town right now), it’s 1 1/2”. I do eventually want a smaller one though as at times the current one is too big.

[@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!👍

[@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 👍

[@WhiteLabWorkshop]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

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! 👍

[@BuildDadBuild]

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

[@LTDWoodworks]

Much appreciated!

[@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!

[@douglasmooneyham4916]

Where did you get your logo brander

[@LTDWoodworks]

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

[@ookiee1]

What size is your branding iron?

[@LTDWoodworks]

I currently use a 2 inch. I do however want to get one smaller. There’s been a few times where a smaller one would have looked better 👍

[@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👍

[@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!

[@dottiewentz5121]

How thick are these and what do you sell them for?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Thickness can very. I usually stay at least a half inch thick and up to 3/4”. Price will depend on the grain of the wood, size, etc. Cheapest board was around $30 because it was for a friend. Most of the time around $75 and up. Most expensive I’ve personally sold was I think $250.00.

[@tanyaipes7947]

Can u use any kind of wood for these

[@LTDWoodworks]

My opinion is yes. Though as long as it's a hardwood. Nothing like say, pine. So far I have made them out of of course walnut like in the video but also some tiger maple. I would say whatever hardwood you like that has some nice grain patterns would work just fine. Any other questions just let me know. Thanks for watching!

[@tanyaipes7947]

OK thank you it's hard to find black walnut where I live !!

[@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!

[@triplebtripleb]

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!👍

[@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.

[@johnliu8801]

Hi there, may I know the make and model of your drawknife? I have been looking for one, thanks!

[@LTDWoodworks]

I bought mine at a local antiques store. Sorry, make or model listed on it.

[@waterlilly62lori]

What is raising the grain?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Basically it is even after you sand wood smooth there would be very small parts of the wood grain that would expand or “raise” up if the wood were to get wet. So the wood would go from a smooth touch to your fingers to a slightly rough feel to your fingers. So purposefully wetting the wood and letting it dry will force the wood grain back up that didn’t actually get sanded off the first time. Once it’s raised and resanded again this will keep the wood smooth even after it we’re to get “wet” again. And wet doesn’t have to mean water even though that’s what we’re using to raise the grain. Products like oils and other types of finishes can effect the wood grain as well. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@menuemnu]

Where is the link for your etsy shop?

[@LTDWoodworks]

That link is in the description just below the first main paragraph. Thanks for watching!

[@34813ctr]

can you remember what the name of router bit was that you used to make the handle at the end of the board

[@LTDWoodworks]

Just looked one up, I think it’s called a Roman Ogee bit.

[@34813ctr]

@@LTDWoodworks thank you for a quick reply much appreciated

[@LTDWoodworks]

Anytime 👍

[@spiritofscouse]

what is the mineral oil for please?amy mineral oil works?

[@LTDWoodworks]

There's a link in the description to the oil that I use. As long as it's food grade mineral you're good to go👍

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@mikeo3589]

What is the best way to wash these boards?

[@LTDWoodworks]

To start, wash with warm/hot water with a soft sponge. Be sure to wash both sides to prevent uneven drying which could cause warping. Of course never use a dishwasher. Set to dry while the board is up on edge as this will also help with uneven drying. Once the wax is eventually worn away, apply more mineral oil and more food safe wax. I have plans to make a video on this subject to cover even more details but that's the gist of it. For now if you have any other questions just let me know. Thanks for watching!

[@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👍

[@kindredspiritzz66]

i really like the look of those, They can be hung up as kitchen decorations between uses. I am curious the where, what why of the name charcuterie tho? I never heard of that word.

[@LTDWoodworks]

Yep, my mother is starting a collection on her kitchen wall of several of my boards. They do make great decorations 👍 For the word charcuterie, you know I’ve never thought about it till you asked. So I just googled it. To much to explain here so try looking it up when you can👍 Thanks for watching!

[@kindredspiritzz66]

Charcuterie is a French term for a branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit, primarily from pork. Not sure it makes much sense- meat board maybe?

[@LTDWoodworks]

Ya, I would agree with you there on the “meat board “. So guess that’s why they went with Charcuterie board as it sounds much better than meat board. Course now that I think about it a meat board full of say BBQ sounds good right about now. Great, now I’m hungry 😆

[@kindredspiritzz66]

@@LTDWoodworks well thanks for the great video, you gave me some ideas for my shop. Liked and subscribed.

[@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!

[@davekoch317]

How much do you retail your C boards for?

[@LTDWoodworks]

As little as $50 on up to $175$ usd.

[@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!👍