Cutting (Bread) boards

[jharris]

I was rereading my latest issue of Wood Carving and they have an article on carving a acanthus design on the end of the board. It was some of Iain Whittington's work. It gave all the details for what type of gouges to use but it didn't mention the type of wood. Most of the cutting boards I see in the Chicago area are of oak or maple.

Has anyone else done in carving in cutting boards? What type of wood did you use? Is oak and maple hard to carve in? I wouldn't think bass wood would be good for a cutting board, but I'm new to this. Appreciate any suggestions.

Jim

[Clifford_Parker]

Think a minute. "If it is hard enough to survive years of sharp knives cutting against it how will it be to carve"

Oak and maple make great cutting boards but are very hard to carve with tools beveled for basswood or soft woods like pine. Harder woods usually require a thicker bevel. Also, any carvings on or near the cutting surfaces will tend to create a hiding place for dust, dirt, and germs.