End Grain Cutting Boards

[Dan_Shade]

I have a 4x36 bench sander, it's not much better than my 4x24.

I may try to make up a jig for the router, of course that means I need to go get a bigger router bit, I've only got a 1/2" one....

[SwampDonkey]

How much you out on the thickness? Mines 6" x 50", but still your smaller one should do it. Maybe it's the grit? Of course Oak, or Cherry is pretty hard stuff. I guess I thought it would save time and aggravation. Nothing is ever easy it seems.  :D

[beenthere]

1/2" bit is what I used. Took a few extra passes, but did a smooth job too. Just use a stiff enough board to hang the router on and not get any deflection (and real cautious that the board doesn't drop off'n the frame  :'( )

[metalspinner]

I've run a couple dozen end grain boards through my bench top planer with no trouble. First I misted the surface to be planed with a water bottle, then took a light pass.  After each pass, I would mist again.  This makes the very top layer you are planing just a little softer.  Even the trailing edge of the cutting board didn't splinter out. It is rounded over later anyway.

Just remember - very light passes (1/64").  After all the laminations are leveled off with the planer and the wood surface has dried, it gets sent through the drum sander with 120 grit, then it gets finished off with the random orbit sander using 180 grit.
This process has made it very efficient for me. ;)

Something I forgot to mention was that after the glue up, I scape all squeeze out off once the glue has set up a bit.  I make the first pass through the planer before the glue has completely hardened.  This keeps you from killing your knives.