CHOPPING BOARD

Make your own chopping board on which to prepare food, or serve bread and cheese

 

You will need

 

• Five 44 x 44 x 400mm pieces of pine
• Waterproof wood glue
• Two clamps
• 80 grit and 100 grit sandpaper
• Handle with bolts
• Electric drill and drill bit
• Hacksaw
• Hammer
• Sunflower Oil

To Make

 

1. Glue the pieces of pine together and wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth. Clamp together and leave to dry overnight
2. Remove the clamps and sand the pine with 80 grit sandpaper. Repeat with 100 grit sandpaper to ensure a completely smooth surface
3. Mark the position of the handle and drill the holes for the bolts using a hacksaw, then use the shortened bolts to screw the handle in position
4. Fill the holes around the bolts with wood glue. Use a hammer to drive the bolts deeper into the board, if necessary, but take care not to damage the handle. Tip Wrap a piece of fabric or rubber around the handle if you have to apply force to get the bolts deeper into the pine
5. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth and rub some sunflower oil on the board

Ideas March 2007