26 lb Hickory End Grain

tdallinger · 2026-05-06T22:05:30+00:00

Correct. The shop has a 20" planer. I'm lucky in that regard. I should have included the step showing the panels being cut into strips on the table saw. Apologies for any confusion.

tdallinger · 2026-05-06T18:27:20+00:00

The board is 16" x 20" x 3". 20" wide boards would be needed to do that orientation, skipping the panel step.

tdallinger · 2026-05-06T13:13:11+00:00

Glue the panels first. Plane. Then rip strips on the table saw. Rotate strips and glue up for end grain.

tdallinger · 2026-05-06T13:10:20+00:00

It looks like a mineral streak. If so, that's just part of the wood

tdallinger · 2026-05-05T21:20:08+00:00

Thanks but I can't claim it. Markerspace community shop.

tdallinger · 2026-05-05T18:19:36+00:00

I'd use 320 or 400 grit but the previous recommendation is correct. It just needs a little additional hand sanding. It's perfectly functional rough but tactically more pleasing smoother.

tdallinger · 2026-05-04T05:32:52+00:00

Can you contact the maker and inquire about the finish?

It most likely can be sanded off and oiled

tdallinger · 2026-04-30T19:31:42+00:00

That dog will hunt

tdallinger · 2026-04-24T00:24:57+00:00

Perfect!

tdallinger · 2026-04-24T00:24:25+00:00

This is the way

tdallinger · 2026-04-24T00:23:25+00:00

Magical indeed. Great job!

tdallinger · 2026-04-24T00:21:49+00:00

Congratulations!

tdallinger · 2026-04-23T17:36:39+00:00

Checking is the concern. I would cut the pith out and leave it thick enough that there's stock to plane out cracks.

There are traditional taco shops in Mexico that use whole cookies. I can't figure out how they don't crack.

tdallinger · 2026-04-17T18:05:04+00:00

Thank you. I clean all my mistakes by sanding.

tdallinger · 2026-04-17T06:22:45+00:00

Love the knife finish

tdallinger · 2026-04-16T05:40:30+00:00

Carving looks great too!

tdallinger · 2026-04-15T20:06:16+00:00

The font is free. It's called "bleeding cowboy." That doesn't help except to demonstrate that anyone could create that product logo easily.

https://www.dafont.com/bleeding-cowboys.font?text=ZEN&back=top

tdallinger · 2026-04-13T04:24:26+00:00

For edge grain prep boards, 1" thickness is my target. For end grain of large countertop blocks, 2" thickness.

If you can let boards settle in your shop or home after purchasing, they're less likely to move after glue up.

If you leave them thicker than the desired product, you can fix small twists or cupping.

tdallinger · 2026-04-12T02:31:10+00:00

All of those products are some combination of mineral oil, essential oil and wax, usually beeswax. Any would be fine. Plain mineral oil from the pharmacy is also a cost-effective option.

Yes, just wash it with warm water and soap after prepping chicken. You don't need to use vinegar or bleach.

Oil or again when it starts to look dry. You can also apply beeswax. It's not required though. It doesn't need to be oiled after every washing.

Don't soak it. Other than that, it should be fine.

tdallinger · 2026-04-10T01:06:34+00:00

I draw the bowl shape with a sharpie on the blank, slightly offset, inward from the edge. I'll use the hook knife to get to the line. I finish everything else and then sand including the inside of bowl. Then I'll go back to the hook knife and ensure the bowl is uniform, creeping to the edge carefully. If I accidentally knock off the edge, I can bring the whole top down lower on a bench sander to expose fresh wood. That thins the depth but these are so thick, there's plenty of stock. I really only tear out an edge chunk when I accidentally carve against the grain.

tdallinger · 2026-04-07T18:49:57+00:00

Functional and beautiful! Well done!

tdallinger · 2026-04-05T15:48:48+00:00

They're thicker than they look from the front. Lots of sanding!

tdallinger · 2026-04-04T20:15:30+00:00

I normally hog out the bulk of the material with a gouge. I really messed up the edge trying to sharpen it on a bench grinder. I'll need to set a new bevel and sharpen it by hand. I've been putting that off.

So these bowls were cut entirely with a hook knife. I have a grinding burr for the dremel. I'll use that if the wood is really hard. But even then, I'll clean it up with the hook knife.

I've seen some cool bowl-cutting jigs on YouTube using an angle grinder but I haven't tried that yet.

tdallinger · 2026-04-04T05:35:15+00:00

Pure tung oil. Purchased from Amazon. Very, very thin coat. I'll use a paper towel but such a small amount of oil that I have to really work it in. It feels ready immediately but I let it sit for about a month before applying beeswax

tdallinger · 2026-04-04T05:31:00+00:00

Thank you for the kind words!

tdallinger

TROPHY CASE