Chopping boards - carving

[Pythagoras2000]

Hi

I'm fairly new to woodcarving and have had the idea of giving my nephew a chopping board for his wedding present in August. I want to carve their names around the edge, along with the date of their wedding. What would be the best wood to use, and what finish should I apply, given that it will be used for food preparation? Presumably a rectangular one would be easier to carve than a circular one, because of grain issues, etc?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mr_P]

Lumberjocks have lots of inspiration

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/tag/cutting+board

My fave
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/80896

 

[marcros]

I like these ones http://theoakandropecompany.co.uk/categ ... oards.aspx

I made a batch of oak boards, from glued up strips and they looked fantastic. I did them as Christmas presents and they went down very well. I didnt have time to try carving them though.

 

[Sheffield Tony]

If you want it to be suitable for use with food beyond just bread, beech or sycamore are traditional choices because they don't have an open grain. I have an end-grain black cherry one I rather like too. Finishing can be nothing at all, or oil. As well as appearances, if you make an end-grain board it will move a lot if left unfinished, especially if you carve a piping hot roast on it ! Good choices of oil are walnut (unless anyone has a nut allergy) or flax/ (food grade) linseed, which should dry without going rancid. Food grade mineral oil is also an option - it is liquid paraffin.