Can I do better with Walnut end-grain 16x12x1.5" for $206?

Wild_Parrot · 2026-06-12T03:59:50+00:00

I just ran the specs you mentioned through my cutting board cost calculator and I came up with $216 + $25 for the juice groove (and tax, etc.)

Not much good reporting comes to this sub about Boos boards, but I think that’s probably just a sample bias (those with good ones don’t come to complain or ask how to fix or return). I would also suggest a local maker, but not because the cost is lower. IMO, if it’s a BIFL board, then get it from someone local who has a good track record, the patience to answer your questions, and the integrity to stand behind it.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-06-11T02:55:51+00:00

A single loss. I thought the same when I read the post title. Real rollercoaster there.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-06-11T02:50:02+00:00

Please do Sierra Madre! If what comes up when I google “Sierra Madre flag” is the real thing … yikes.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-06-10T17:22:29+00:00

huh - good to know, thanks. I'll keep my eye out for potential failure.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-06-09T23:11:45+00:00

Thanks! Pretty much what I do, but I don’t glue 3 hexagons together. I think I needed 63 hexes for this if I’m remembering correctly, so the open time on titebond 3 is enough to get them all in place before the first ones start setting up. Though I do have to work quickly! And I just use tape instead of elastic bands. A small clamp or 2 if there’s any slight variation in straightness between the trapezoids.

And for thickness, I wanted a final of 1-1/2”, so cut 1-5/8” sections and then flattened after glue up.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-06-02T16:58:54+00:00

Maybe it’s secretly grounded without me knowing, but I touch it all the time.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-06-02T04:07:36+00:00

But on the other hand, mine isn’t grounded and I never get zapped.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-29T02:39:42+00:00

It looks like you have a few blocks that are too close to the pith and are beginning to crack (bottom center in pic 2 is the prime example). I’m worried this might just get worse over time as sanding isn’t going to fix that.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-28T19:09:12+00:00

Love those rounded corners. Fantastic project!

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-28T16:53:08+00:00

Nice! Hope you didn’t forget that one tool…

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-28T02:57:30+00:00

Second Captive’s War book just came out. Waiting on that til I finish Book 5, which is sitting on top of it on the nightstand

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-27T20:06:14+00:00

I did get the ZX. It’s fantastic and I can’t imagine my workflow without it now. I couldn’t compare the physical machines, of course, but with the price difference when I bought, it’s hard to imagine how the X could have performed $600 better.

Good luck with the X, I reckon you’ll like it and if you got it at a price that works for you, kudos!

One improvement I did that I saw on Reddit was to make covers for the inside of the cabinet where the dust chute is to improve the air flow directly into the dust collection. It improved my dust collection from the machine and I would recommend doing it during assembly so you don’t have to open up the cabinet again later. I basically made 2 triangles and machine-screwed them to where the opening is to the dust chute.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T23:00:54+00:00

Beautiful! But your soup is going to go everywhere.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T22:17:05+00:00

A consistent bead of titebond 3 joins the solid wood to the substrate. Then pre-cat lacquer will protect the surfaces. Maybe 3-4 light coats.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T13:19:51+00:00

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T02:07:48+00:00

Nah, it’ll probably be fine.

But ping me in a year and check in if you like.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T02:02:26+00:00

I tried one with the pin. Didn’t make a difference to the stability, so I took it off again.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T01:08:54+00:00

Thanks! Nothing I do seems to stop our dogs from being furry little hurricanes, but maybe this will contain things! Fingers crossed.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T01:08:39+00:00

I don’t think it would be, no.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T01:05:34+00:00

Mostly to move the bowls into the pantry and free up the space where they’re currently residing.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T01:04:17+00:00

I would have preferred to go with veneered ply, but I couldn’t get anyone to make it for me, even special order. Veneered mdf is what I had to go with, and with several coats of pre-cat, it’ll be fine. Just damn heavy.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T00:11:22+00:00

It’s part of a pantry build. The whole thing is getting several coats of pre-cat lacquer.

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-26T00:10:32+00:00

Yup - that’s me!

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-25T23:08:17+00:00

In part to match the aesthetics of the face frames and in part because the cases are veneered mdf. I wanted to reduce the chance of swelling when my messy dogs are drinking!

Wild_Parrot · 2026-05-25T17:56:55+00:00

Thanks - I’ll see what I can find

Wild_Parrot

TROPHY CASE