end grain or edge grain?

[SamIamSL]

I found a site on cutting boards and it mentioned end and edge grain. From what I could gather, end grain was cutting across the growth rings and edge grain was cutting perpendicular to them. Is this a correct view?
It also mentioned it was better for a cutting board to be an end grain.

So, my real question is, if I am carving a plate, should it be from the end grain? By the way, I am planning to make it from sweet birch. I'm pretty sure it's safe for food contact, but just to make sure can anyone tell me?

[Dan S]

If you are carving a plate you will be using the "Edge gain" Basically a flat board. If you were to try end grain you would need to either laminate a couple of pieces to get the size you need or use a massive log. End grain is also tough to carve.
As far a birch I have never used it and can't help you there. I know maple is good though.

God luck!
Dan

[Woody1961]

I agree with Dan. I make a LOT of cutting boards (more than 30 in the last 6 weeks). Most plates would be made with edge grain. I would use birch for a cutting board or a plate. I would actually use most any hardwood. There are a few exceptions like cocobolo. Make sure that if it is going to be actually used for food contact you should "season" it with oil to keep things safe. I generally use (and recommend to my customers) mineral oil, USP. It is found at your local drug store in the laxative area. I last bought a pint about a year ago for $1.58 at Walmart in the pharmacy area.

What kind of plate are you going to carve?

[SamIamSL]

Thanks, I'll use edge grain then.

And I have another question. I think the sweet birch I have is spalted but I'm not sure. It was an old birch with parts of it eaten away by ants and it fell down in the last storm we had. The parts I want to use are discolored a bit and i assumed that was spalting? Is that still safe to use for a plate?

Originally Posted by Woody1961

What kind of plate are you going to carve?

What different kinds are there? I suppose just a simple one with a bit of a lip on it for eating purposes. It's more of a joke gift I'm making for my dad. He always uses paper plates when he eats and with me being an ecologist, it always gets me annoyed because I view that as wasteful. My hope is that if it's something I specifically craft for him, he'll use that instead of paper plates.

[chuckbolton]

id be concerned about the regular contact with water if he is going to eat off of this plate-- someone with more experience than i have i hope will comment on this. it would be a shame to go to the trouble and then have it mistreated and crack or split. im sure that and hardwood growing in the US is safe to use-- but that is an uneducated opinion and you know about opinions.

[Woody1961]

Originally Posted by SamIamSL

Thanks, I'll use edge grain then.

And I have another question. I think the sweet birch I have is spalted but I'm not sure. It was an old birch with parts of it eaten away by ants and it fell down in the last storm we had. The parts I want to use are discolored a bit and i assumed that was spalting? Is that still safe to use for a plate?


What different kinds are there? I suppose just a simple one with a bit of a lip on it for eating purposes. It's more of a joke gift I'm making for my dad. He always uses paper plates when he eats and with me being an ecologist, it always gets me annoyed because I view that as wasteful. My hope is that if it's something I specifically craft for him, he'll use that instead of paper plates.

Spalt is a darkening of a wood that is caused by the decaying process in which a mold begins to grow in the wood. As the wood decays on the ground the spalt will spread because of the moisture. Take away the moisture and the mold dies leaving the discoloration. It does not take away from the "usability" as a plate.

As to the use of a plate and wetness, this is why the "seasoning" of the plate will be important consistently with mineral oil (never any kind of vegetable oil as it will eventually become rancid). The rule of thumb for seasoning is to do it once a day for a week, once a week for a month and once a month for ever.

In addition, I would not use it in the dishwasher or EVER let it soak as it will swell and crack.