Here's how to install butcher block countertops. Sand surface of countertop with an orbital sander, starting with 150 grit and gradually working up to 220 grit (Image 3). The question is, which one is the best type blade to cut butcher block? Make a hole for your jigsaw with the 3/8-in. TOH master carpenter Norm Abram prefers this tool, noting that buyers should choose one based on balance and maneuverability. So I lightly sanded the surface and applied multiple coats of Walrus Oil (not made from walruses! )
Installing butcher block countertops in your kitchen is not a difficult or time-consuming DIY project. Our kitchen island is just under 8 feet long, so I only had to trim about half a foot off the end of the countertop to get it to fit. Straight-edged pieces of 3/4"-thick wood with one perfectly straight side to use as a "fence". They can do damage to those piggy toes. Make a note of which side of each piece has the factory edge; these will be the key edges during assembly. Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have a great selection of butcher block countertops, but they're usually only available online. What is the best blade to make a smooth cut? Some factors to consider when choosing a blade for butcher block cutting include: the type of material you're cutting, the size of the block, and your personal preferences. Check out this article on the difference between a track saw and a circular saw for more info on these tools! Wearing safety glasses with side shields will also protect your eyes from the dust created by cutting and sanding the butcher block, especially if you are not using a saw or sander with a shop vac attachment. Disambiguation: Cutting Butcher Block Countertop vs Cutting Plain Butcher Block. Set the cutting depth on your saw so that it cuts all the way through the material in one pass. Always use a small scrap piece of wood to protect the surface. Place large sheets of plywood on 2x4s laid across sawhorses and positioned to support both sides of the cut.
The blade gets too hot and starts bending toward the inside. Then in a year or so you can do a maintenance coat to keep your countertops looking fresh! Maintaining your saw well and knowing how to diagnose problems will help keep you safe in its use and extend the life of the saw. NOTE: Applying product to the bottom of the butcher block will help ward off warping and cracking. This sub is for tool enthusiasts worldwide to talk about tools, professionals and hobbyists alike. Test-fit the three pieces for the cutting guide. Either way, a top-of-the-line saw, if treated with care, should still be cutting well when you're ready to hand it down. It's best to make your cutting guides from high-quality MDF or solid-core plywood so the saw foot has a perfectly smooth surface to slide against.
See how easy it is to install a beautiful wood countertop in your home. For a slight-bodied person, a small pro model like this 7. Today I'll be showing you How to cut an IKEA Butcher Block. Repeat to level the countertop from back to front. When positioning two pieces of countertop together to make an L-shape, simply cut the two pieces to size. If your circular saw keeps stopping, the first two causes to look for are fairly obvious: The blade. Mark cut line with a pencil (Image 1).
DIY: how-to cut, sand, install, and finish butcher block countertops. Double check all your measurements and that the track or guide is square. Use the orbital sander to smooth all the corners, cut edges and any rough spots on the surface. It's easier to sand before you install your butcher block, so keep that in mind! We use a finish that's easy to reapply whenever the board looks dry (I keep a bottle of it under our sink). If the block drops at the end of the cut, there is a great risk of it splintering. Drill Holes for Faucet.
Sawing with the grain. This will remove any remaining dust and also reveal any imperfections (excess filler that hasn't been sanded away, sanding marks, etc. ) Butcher block is environmentally friendly and will last a lifetime if it is properly cared for. There are many saws on the market under this price, but they're not as powerful, nor are they built for a lifetime's use. For an even more durable and water-proof finish, use a marine finish made for yachts and sailboats. In the end, the most reliable appraisal may be price. If you're joining two sections together at a corner, you'll need to drill holes for the countertop connector hardware first. Crosscut Method #2 – 12" Carpenter Square. If you screw the countertops onto the cabinets directly instead, they may be too tight and could cause cracking and splintering in your beautiful wood countertop. Now tighten each clamp and you're ready for your cut. It has a high-quality construction that makes it durable, and it cuts through the wood easily. There is no definitive answer when it comes to the best blade to make a smooth cut on butcher block.
Then start up the saw and make the cut! Those of us who engage in woodworking projects understand safety requirements like goggles and masks and make it a point to follow basic safety precautions when we're in our shop. "No matter what you do, you will drop your saw, " warns Tom Silva. Use a blade that has 10 to 24 teeth per inch to cut at a slower pace. Repeat for each cut. Butt them together as they will be when installed then clamp both pieces down to work surface to hold them tightly in place (Image 1). This will involve working on one side at a time and moving the clamps and straight edge. It's relatively easily to round the corners or make artistic curves along the front edge with a jigsaw. Make sure the cutoff doesn't fall since it could splinter the wood - a second person could hold the cutoff positioned well behind the saw.
Keep the butcher block flush against the rip fence as you push it through. This is because the saw can cut through the block easily. Make sure you apply the finish to both sides of the countertop. Make sure it's square to the front and back edge. With a circular saw, cut the countertop exactly to your line.
To avoid costly mistakes, Measure! Table saws are great when you need to make quick cuts or are making long, lengthwise cuts. The first step is cutting the butcher block. Cast-metal shoes with raised reinforcing ribs on the top surface, as seen here on a Porter-Cable 347, won't bend like flat aluminum shoes if the saw hits the ground. Dull or worn blades tend to cut slower and may require more force when used, leading to accidents. Thanks for your help! The cost of the Hardwood Reflections brand we used was about $25 per square foot on average.
More of Norm's Tips. When cutting each section of butcher block, place the boards on sawhorses or between two work surfaces. Respirator mask, protective eyewear and earplugs. You can also make your own butcher block countertops!