Cutting Board Groove

I would use a router table. i do not make cutting boards but this would seem to be a logical method. there are a lot of cutting board builders on lumberjocks that will have the tried and true suggested methods.

I used a template and a bearing guide round bit. The template was sized to put the juice groove where I wanted it by making it the shape of the board only smaller. The bit rode on the outer edge of the guide which was attached with double faced tape. Multiple passes are recommended and some sanding may be necessary.

-- Website is finally up and running....www.woodandwrite.com

I agree with D_Allen, make a template and use a pattern bit. Your template does not necessary have to follow the same shape as the outside of the cutting board. You cutting board could have square sides and your pattern for groove could have rounded corners.

-- Jesse, Saint Louis, Missouri

Templates are a great way as well.

I marked the lines, set up the guide, and plunged away, easy peasy.

A template would be easiest if you only make one size board.
I use a router edge guide because I make all different sizes of boards.
I used to use my 690 PC router but since I got my Bosch Colt , it is much easier to handle and a lot less strain. Multiple passes are the key along with a new or very sharp round nosed bit.
Variable speed motor will help you to prevent burns when you slow down the feed rate coming into the corners. Practice many times on scrap wood before cutting into your project board , especially joining the corners of the groove. Stop when the groove looks good to you. It doesn’t have to be any specified depth.

And this ugly duckling I made with a juice “well” that the grooves drain in to : )

-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!

I just tried this technique, not bad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lFcbrn7Ebmw

-- Gerry (the beginner), Gatineau, QC, Canada

Thanks for the link.
I knew he was going to end up with burn marks in the corners with that process though.
It was a good video and I’m sure the process can be used for other reasons as well : )
How did your corners come out ?

-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!

I did a quick setup and actually my corners are not bad…. did a first tryout on a piece of pine…. sanding the corners came out not bad.

not as nice as yours.

-- Gerry (the beginner), Gatineau, QC, Canada

Practice , practice , practice…..wait until you try some hardwood scraps before proceeding with your real project …
and thank you for my corners compliment : )

-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!

I always thought it was done with a router guide fence attached to the router, could be templated out as well.

-- The mark of a good carpenter is not how few mistakes he makes, but rather how well he fixes them.

“a router guide fence attached to the router”
That’s what I use on my boards.

-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!

an other way of doing juice grooves. Eeasier to go around corners when the corners of the template and rounded off

-- Gerry (the beginner), Gatineau, QC, Canada