Perfect Butcher Block Blood Grove
I’m in the process of making a few butcher block style boards about 13’ X 20’. Once the basic shape is complete, the top edge will be rounded over with a ¼” cove bit using my router, The four corners will be rounded over using a 1” radius. I wanted to make a 3/8” grove around the top near the outside perimeter in order to collect liquids/juices. I have a router but I’m not sure how to set up the board to make a perfect grove all around. The edges are easy; it’s the corners that are problematic. What’s the best way to accomplish this grove around the corners so that it is equidistant to the groves along the sides? Would it be better to set up a block of wood under my router as a guide and follow the outside edge of the board?
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Sent back for "Re-groovey"
I made some cutting boards for Christmas gifts last year including one for myself with a "juice groove" and the radiused corners like you have described. I made a quick template for the edge of the router base to follow which also requires a steady hand and constant pressure against the template.
My mistake was in making the groove too small. I used a 3/8" radius flute cutter, so the groove was 3/8" deep and 3/4" deep which overflowed with juice the first time I used it. I reworked the groove with a straight cutter and had to use both an inside and outside template. The new groove is now 3/8" deep and 1-3/4" wide and flat on the bottom, much better.
Bret
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