ST2 - Why Did My Cutting Board Split?

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Ever wonder why end grain cutting boards are prone to splitting? Here are a couple of reasons why!
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[@jeremiah3543]

I died laughing when the TS55 grumbled "expensive!" Lol!

[@pj_fetscher]

Hahaha I had to watch it again!

[@roush211]

so glad he's posting videos again. had to go through all the old ones again and watch twice. Keep posting Marc, your videos inspired me to take my wood working to next level

[@tugnut1]

Great info. I really loved the sound effects at the beginning. Genius. Great Work Marc.

[@kengunnell6398]

Love your direct to the point videos. You are well spoken

[@danthemakerman]

Dude the sound effects had me laughing way more than I should have, my favorite was the nail gun. Great info too I always wondered if a cutting board would just spontaneously explode because it was glue together incorrectly.

[@dewrus2153]

Great video! Loved the intro with your tool issues. I didn't know Festool circular saws could change gears! Your brad nailer seems like it's lacking enthusiasm but your shop-vac loves it's job.

[@jlconrad3]

The opening was too funny. Thanks for a good laugh. Never tried and end grain cutting board, and glad I didn't because I'm sure I would have made one of those mistakes. Thanks for the tips!

[@BruceAUlrich]

Really good info. Love the tool noises! I think the nail gun was my favorite!

[@jasonlangston5659]

I liked this format and production for a quick video. Good Stuff.

[@louisvilleboardco.2330]

Great tips, Mark. In addition to grain direction, I also experience better results when I blend woods of like hardness and use species that are similarly porous. This seems to put less stress on the boards and allows them to dry evenly after washing. By the way, your intro was hilarious.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@GauchoWoodworking]

Thank you Marc for always putting out great content. Have no solutions for your strange noises in your shop.

[@fernandocabette6050]

"Something that wants to move attached to something that doesn't want to move, the end result is internal stress" That's a great zen wisdom right there.

[@LeftFlamingo]

+YeahGoAhead =D You are so right... also, sounds like most relationships, too ;)

[@whengrapespop5728]

@@LeftFlamingo That’s why we compromise to make relationships work, since two people are involved, and each considers the other’s wishes. 🤜🤛

[@briarfox637]

The sounds reminded me of the Portlandia "Man Episode." My wife asked me why I started cracking up when you did this. Good vid.

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

best bet with those tools would be to send them to me and i can further inspect. always hard to tell from a picture or video. good explanation on the board issues.

[@joedimitrijevich7326]

Tool sounds...Epic! I was cracking up!

[@ComputadorasESGA]

Love the sound of your tools! 🤣

[@AntonelloDeAngelis-diy]

wow that epoxy makes some nasty noise!! :) your videos are always so informative! thank you, Marc!!

[@icychill105]

i love the idea of making the sounds of the tools and it would be funny to do a whole video like that

[@ef2967]

Those sound effects were spot on. :D

[@Socalcheeze]

great tidbits of info, food for thought..

[@glennryzebol4472]

haha! love the sound effects. and thanks for the info. I did not know. now I do

[@ragtie6177]

great info mark. at first I too was having that problem. unfortunately, I had to figure out what was going on on my own. nothing like having somebody bring back a gift and its all cracked! hahahaha

[@colony7591]

Thank you so much

[@alanfalleur6550]

The sound my tools often make is something like "Haha, remember where you put me down? I'm hiding, and you can't find me." :O

[@MortyGG]

It's nice to see some humor mate.. Good one! :)

[@frodosonic2]

Thanks for the tips Marc. Would you have (or refer to) a good chart for moisture resistance by wood essence? I like to mix different colors and would like to chose them based on their similarity in movement?

[@hardnox6655]

Good advice. Spot on about the long grain vs end grain. The other issue is oil, Most people only do a light application (wipe on) because they're in a hurry. Do yourself a favor and tank the boards for several days in mineral oil. I've never had a endgrain board split. I purchased a large rubbermaid type container (24x18x6) with lid just for cutting boards. I leave the oil in it and add as necessary. Incidentally, each board will absorb about 6 oz.

[@pettigrewwoodworks]

I make both end grain and edge grain boards but never mix the two and have never had a product returned. I shudder at some of the handcrafted boards I see for sale. Many are doomed to failure. Just a matter of time. Thanks for sharing the info.

[@rcrpike]

the opening was good for a solid laugh

[@jdporter08]

I quite literally busted out laughing at your "tool noises". I'm glad I was at home, or I'm sure I'd have gotten some strange looks.

[@daltonvickers7977]

Loved the video. Your tools almost make as many noises as I do.

[@krumpetrov5323]

Cool tips!

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Really good information - Lol, the intro is great :-)

[@jasonenz4238]

Hahaha "patchew" 🤣😂 So I build my boards in stages as my free time is limited. After I mill my stock, glue it up then cross cut, I let it acclimate for 2-4 days. I noticed from wood movement, that straight line I cut, isn't straight anymore. It's super minimal but place on a flat surface and you can feel it rock and see light underneath. I have a sanding board I use for drum building and run the pieces over that for a few minutes, until the pencil lines are all gone...then I do the final glue up. I believe that is the reason I have never had a board crack. As I said, the movement was minimal, but even that little bit of movement, in a whole Baird of pieces, had to be under constant stress. I believe the way I did it reduces the stress dramatically. Hope that makes sense :) Thanks for a great video!!!

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

You really do some great videos

[@aiquelindo]

Love the dog kiss at the end!

[@Retroweld]

Great video Marc. :)

[@Frankengruvin]

I have made six of these types of cutting boards after seeing the first "LET'S GET READY TO MAKE A CUTTING BOARD-DUH!" VIDEOS. They have been made out of Ash-Walnut, Ash-Walnut-Mahogany, Ash-Walnut-Purpleheart-Mahogany, and Purpleheart-Hard Maple. They were made in Jacksonville, NC and Barstow, CA, and they currently reside in North Ridgeville, OH; Fort Walton Beach, FL; Newnan, GA; Barstow, CA; and San Marcos, CA. (places where various relatives reside) None of my boards have had any splitting issues. I used the same finishing method that Marc used, with the thinned varnish. I mainly used GF's Salad Bowl Finish, although one used thinned out Tried & True (I wouldn't recommend that one - it just wasn't easy to work with). All the boards were more or less done with Marc's pattern, with small variations. None had pieces oriented differently or were framed in or anything. one thing I noticed in this video is that Marc didn't comment one way or another on the type of glue or the quantity of glue or the tightness of the joints. I think these things matter. If you don't get your pieces flat before gluing them up you almost force a stress into the joint by, for instance, clamping two pieces together that have bows in them, leaving a slight gap in the center. That kind of thing could have an effect, yes?

[@36dumbdumb]

Dang!!!!!!! You're a dork!!!!!!!!!! Love it!

[@chrishaugh1655]

Hey Marc, love your videos (and your cheesy humor). I'm a newly formed hobby wood worker, starting to get more and more serious about it (because its just so much fun). Anyways, I'm not sure if you have a video regarding this or not, but I was curious if you had any intentions of making a sort of "how to" properly apply different finishes i.e. polyurethane, tung/danish oils, wiping varnishes, wax, etc.? This is one area that I have little knowledge of, but have found myself recently needing more experience in. Thanks!

[@MikeKapotsy]

You're such a ball of goof as my son would say Marc. LOL. Funny stuff, might want to look into that.

[@lukejohnson2854]

That track saw was in tune with itself; yes, very self-aware.

[@veast4558]

can you use oak wood in a cutting board? I see that most are using cherry, maple, and walmut. Just wondering if there are other woods that could be used. thanks

[@benvolio1987]

nice to see your fun side :)

[@woodwhisperer]

+Benvolio Foster I don't have a fun side!

[@joshl90]

Best shirt ever!!!

[@artconnolly9519]

well it's 60 here in NY today. it's so warm it has that "End of days" feeling in the air. But don't get me wrong I'm not complaining........

[@mattmeyers1288]

I will say "Pa-Chew, Pa-Chew!" any time I use the nail gun from now on. lol

[@l3ender15]

What are your thoughts on Jet's parallel clamps vs Bessey's? Woodcraft had a fantastic deal on Jet ones this last weekend and I picked up 40" for $35 a piece. The clamps don't look perfectly 90% to the bar but they seem like very nice clamps none the less. Would love to hear thoughts on the differences of the two. Thanks!

[@MadPropsMakes]

I have a bunch of extra 50:1 oil for your 2 stroke router if you can use it... i bought a 4 stroke...

[@stewartleadley34]

My newly made board ( the first ive made) has started to warp / cup, why is that?

[@TomKaren94]

The cross-grain problem is definitely serious. I did exactly as the video showed... end grain body with a couple strips across the board. As soon as the next season hit, the whole thing blew apart. I guess believing cross-grain issues exist is sort of like hearing "but it's a dry heat." You don't believe it until you experience it yourself.

[@hotrodhog2170]

What if the grain in the blocks were turned in the same direction as the grain in the maple? Would that work instead of making little blocks of maple to glue up?

[@buckeyewoodshop]

Mucilax will clear alot of those noises right up! You may have to swig on some Pepto to get rid of the rest.

[@909sickle]

The real genius of this video is how Marc managed to distract everyone from endless cutting board debates with a comedy intro

[@chadrayl1421]

I need a table top planer any recommendations?

[@Wordsnwood]

You should talk to Frank Howarth... He's had trouble like that with his tools also, but I think he's got it under control. You've got a pretty serious case though.

[@Harrypm3]

Can you do a video on different drills like should you buy a festool or dewalt or Milwaukee

[@v.n.2039]

What's the best oil for cutting boards?

[@mrq1701]

What about end grain boards that use all the same species? Do they have the same cracking problems?

[@vtxrider11]

awsome sound effects

[@Moabite1978]

HYSTERICAL!!!!

[@ottoroth9377]

Your tool sound effects.....mine usually tell me to leave them rest..HA...I always include a care guide of instructions with every board I sell, but with the split problem, as you mentioned is grain incompatibility...I don't make any butcher block style using end grains facing the cutting surface, but they look cool, because of the splitting issue and planer's love to chip away any small blocks and toss then across the room. Always use Tight Bond III because of the water resistance, and I tell customers not to submerge the boards, but to wash them off and drying them completely with a good towel, let them stand and air dry completely, usually 24 hours, then re--coat with mineral oil and store them flat (I include runner feet and stainless screws).

[@Kquiggs]

Is it worth repairing the cutting boards? If so, how?

[@collma99q]

My kids and I thought the noise problem with your tools was not embarrassing but hilarious. Our suggestion is a more exciting editing process.

[@elvisontour2005]

I’m pretty new to woodworking and cutting boards. I made a decent side grain cutting board and now I have someone who would like to order two 20” x 24” side grain boards. Is there likely to be any issues with warping or splitting being that large a size. Client is willing to pay 65 cents per square inch CDN so prob around 50 cents USD per sq inch. For that price I don’t want to provide something that they will have trouble with. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thx Phil

[@AGC828]

So, if the grain in an end-grain board are running in the same direction and of the same kind of wood....it shouldn't be more likely to split than an edge-grain board? Same care taken for both boards. As many things being equal as possible? Only difference being the orientation of the pieces? What mass manufactured end-grain and edge-grain boards do you recommend? Or, do we still need to buy from a "craftsman" specializing in cutting boards?? Recommendations there? (Canada)

[@mrq1701]

I purchased my first expensive kitchen knife ($200), and am trying to decide between a teak end grain cutting board or a teak edge grain cutting board. My knife has very hard steel, 62 on the Rockwell, and a 8-12 degree cutting edge. I was leaning toward end grain to preserve the cutting edge of my knife, but I don't want a problematic board.

[@Stokersrule]

If you're interested in preserving your knives' edges, you want an end grain board.

[@chadrayl1421]

im getting gaps where i glued together, should u clamp super tight or jus snug? can i mix boards by exposing end grain an face grain? love the dog looks like a red doberman wo tail docked or ears cropped lol

[@woodwhisperer]

+Chad Rayl If you have to clamp super tight, then the boards probably weren't milled properly to begin with and that doesn't bode well for the board's longevity. A snug clamping should be enough to bring a decent joint together. And combining end grain and face grain would be one of those things that does NOT stack the cards in your favor. Doesn't mean you can't get away with it, but it would be something of an experiment.

[@brandon2076]

The brad nailer sound effects are that much more appropriate with the new Star Wars movie coming out...;)

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Awesome info, looks warm outside.

[@woodwhisperer]

+Dema's WoodShop it's freezing here!! Like 50 degrees or something. :)

[@DemasShopforEverything]

+The Wood Whisperer Haha, thats beach weather up here in Minnesota.

[@TyMoser]

+Dema's WoodShop Yup, must agree.. It's FREEZING here! My heater went on for the first time last night! That 66° was cold!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

+Ty Moser (MonoLoco_Workshop) it's 33 and I'm working in my tshirt :)

[@TyMoser]

+Dema's WoodShop yea.. I might still have shorts on at 33 degrees but I would definitely have my sweater and heater on. Maybe even some real shoes and not my flip flops.

[@BrunoBsso]

Hahahahahaha that was hilarious. Thanks!!

[@PeaceLoveAndRico]

Wish I had money to give... that was awesome

[@TheBeeVlog]

Maybe the tools are making weird noises because you've got a screw loose. But that's better than losing some marbles, or worse, having bats in the belfry (too messy). It shouldn't be a problem though. Speaking from experience, it only improves one's work.

[@pocket83]

I've always wanted an isometric end-grain, but other than laziness, there is another reason why I've never made one. I am seriously interested in your opinion on this: A tree is a giant vascular system that is made to move water and other compounds vertically. Horizontal passage of water and minerals is much more inhibited in wood. Thus, end-grain boards will be by far less sanitary. I don't think that I need to reinforce this point further, and I know that it poses little risk in a well-kept kitchen, but considering the other disadvantages of making one, and simply in the interest of being pragmatic, aren't these boards just a little bit unrealistic? I have a simple, maple board that I pass through the planer and then (re)coat w/ mineral oil every year, and I have no concern that it will ever become septic. Why is it worth it to go through all of that sanding and trouble, just because it's marginally better for a knife edge? I hope you don't think I'm just being petty; I am genuinely curious about your take on this ;)

[@woodwhisperer]

+pocket83 well, your position is based upon something that might not be true: end grain boards are less sanitary. There are several published papers out there showing tests that conclude wood is actually MORE sanitary than plastic primarily due to the wood's ability to absorb. Bacteria gets pulled in, dries out, and dies. The wood is said to have anti-bacterial characteristics. I'm not personally making claims either way, but I don't think anyone can say with confidence that end grain boards are less sanitary than face grain, side grain, or plastic.

[@pocket83]

+The Wood Whisperer Fair enough. Just thinking out loud. Thanks ;)

[@rimmersbryggeri]

+pocket83 They need to be properly satureted with oil if they are I guess these drying issues don't occur either. However a cutting board is a functional item and that should be first priority not making it as ornate as possible.

[@JS-rp7qb]

Another side on this old comment... the pores in kiln-dried wood close up pretty tightly. There’s far less absorption than you think. Toss a chunk of smoker wood into a bucket of water sometime, let it soak for a month, and cut it in half. Water hardly penetrates.

[@j316finewoodworking6]

Sorry what did you say? Can't stop laughing at your nail gun lol

[@Xyienced]

You rock

[@guiseppi6647]

I just don't understand how you are so awesome. 🤔

[@martijnfransen9933]

' maybe some pils? for you....to keep things under control haha 😄

[@tooljunkie555]

makes sense. .good fyi! no snow for you either huh? NONE here in N.Y.

[@chadrayl1421]

thanks, have any videos on a cigar humidor?

[@woodwhisperer]

+Chad Rayl Not on the free site, but in the Guild: thewoodwhispererguild.com/product/the-humidor/

[@FrankDoesIt]

LOL my air nailer makes that same noise!

[@JWGraham77]

I made that mistake with my 1st boards I've made. 2 months old, so far so good, no cracks lol, but I won't be doing it again

[@nathanhorning9762]

Where do you go for your wood supplies?!? I'm in Mesa and have only found timber supplies company. Finding good wood seems to be pretty hard out here!

[@woodwhisperer]

+Nathan Horning I go to Woodworkers Source and Spellman Hardwoods. I think you guys have Timber Woodworking Machinery out that way but I'm not sure about their selection.

[@nathanhorning9762]

The Wood Whisperer thanks for the reply! i have gone to Timber Woodworking Machinery a few times. they have a decent selection but im always looking for more. thanks again for your response! love the videos!

[@brookspotts9312]

Bazinga!

[@joeg7537]

omg that 'pachew' haha

[@TheTwopeesinapod]

The board you were holding didn't look like an end grain board to me, more like a side of face grain. I this more stable?

[@woodwhisperer]

+Peter Kirby Side grain usually is a little more stable or at least predictable. But my board is an end grain board.

[@lutz18692]

Wait a minute. I remember another woodworker (I think it was Matthias Wandel) stack his grains in such a way for that specific reason; Glue boards that don't expand against ones that will to keep everything static. How does this fit in with what we're seeing in this video? Or is one of them completely wrong?

[@woodwhisperer]

+lutz18692 I can't speak for other people. But from my experience, when you make wood fight itself, bad things can happen. Keep in mind there might be situations and projects that are exceptions. Not sure we're talking apples to apples here.

[@JulienBalas]

+lutz18692 if i remember correctly, Matthias was stacking wood like in plywood.

[@HovingtonInstruments]

I get a really bad smell when my epoxy farts like that... Do you?

[@woodwhisperer]

+Tomy Hovington YES! Must be something goin' round!

[@rcrpike]

are there any particular woods that you have found that move at similar rates making a good combination for an end grain cutting board?

[@woodwhisperer]

Haven't done the research on that. Take a look at some of the wood movement calculators like the Wood Shop Widget: woodshopwidget.com/ Though to be honest, it's probably best to just make the board you want to make and hope for the best. :)

[@rcrpike]

+The Wood Whisperer Thanks!

[@dewrus2153]

+Ryan Renard Search YT for MTM wood. That guy is the end-grain master. Look at some of his past videos...he has made a few tutorials on the basics of end-grain boards where he covers wood types and grain patterns. Hope this helps!

[@rcrpike]

+Dewy Russler thank you Dewy

[@1stMrSceptical]

Hi, I noticed you have a Bosch GDL 12 "Glide" mitre saw, I bought one a few months back after believing all the spiel. I bought primarily for trenching as my ancient Elecktra Beckum miter saw can't do this trick, nor can the 'Glide' very well,. This 'Glide' although looks good on paper its overall length or engineering can give way to over-trenching unless one handles with extreme care. I cure the 8mm adjuster bolt ratting loose by drilling and tapping for a 4mm grub screw. First made a small disc of nylon for the grub screw to pushes against, this stops the 8mm bolt unscrewing, however, one still has to handle with caution. What is your honest opinion of this saw.? Me? I think I could have done better for my 900quid (£)

[@Karaon]

I fucking died because of these sounds. NOMNOMNOMNOM

[@RobinLewisMakes]

Every guy in the room giggled at the fart noise, guaranteed

[@schroederb2007]

BAHAHAHAHAHA could not stop laughing at the noises your tools are making. I wouldn't be able to get a thing done I'd be laughing so hard in the shop if my tools made those noises.

[@JesusWasHeree]

Hello, i studied resistant materials at GCSE and am currently studying product design for my AS. I've never made much outside of school but i'd like to make things. I would like to make things such as stools, tables etc. Bare in mind my skills aren't well developed at the moment. if i was going to spend around £250 on equipment to start me off, what would anyone reccomend? any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[@jflsdknf]

I always see reviews of people claiming to have cared for their boards perfectly, oiled & waxed them and exposed them to little water, yet they crack... what could be the cause then? I'm thinking humidity levels?

[@woodwhisperer]

+MiaMcc probably. End grain boards are real tricky since they usually involve multiple species and grain running in all directions plus tons of glue joints. It's a fairly unstable concept to begin with.

[@bubblehead7579]

is that a dobie i see? i have 2 dobies. a blue one and a fawn... great vid, thanks...

[@woodwhisperer]

+Simple Carpenter Sure is. Probably the only breed we'll ever have from here on out.

[@bubblehead7579]

My favs. Used to breed them yrs ago. Very smart.

[@robertspina4503]

👍

[@RichMcNatt]

My tools do the same sounds just "cheeep, replace meeee, move your fingerrrrrrrrr"

[@bigvegass]

Peh-choo. Spit my water out on that one. hahaha