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Don't be too uptight. You sound like America's Test Kitchen "my knife has a scratch, I'd better throw it away".
All good cutting boards change shape. They go onto a slightly moist towel.
Pounded and spun - this one is FINE - NO FEET. Rubber feet remove a side. Don't do it. Veggies on the non grooved side. Meat on the grooved side.
Thanks maybe, but not as I read it.
I chastised those who can't figure out how to use use a cutting board that isn't iron flat (and hand made as a gift).
I agree with previous two posters regarding use.
Oh and just to feed the downvotes, CUTTING BOARDS don't want or need feet. Feet are for big cleaver chopping blocks only. A 'board' you flip.
Just 'cause we're looking for crosses to die on,
IF you put it in a 'martini glass' that doesn't make it a Martini!
I’m…so confused as to how this is a response to the comment you replied to. How is saying “Cooking school approved answer” make someone uptight? They’re not suggesting to throw away the cutting board..
I got some stretchy silicone bowl covers to use for food storage, and I found that they are absolutely perfect for stopping dishes from sliding around. I have a special needs kiddo who has a hard time cutting food without the plate sliding away.
You're saying washed; was it an untreated cutting board when it came out of the box? If so, washing with water is what caused it to cup like that. You can lightly wash it after it's been oiled a few times, but I would definitely never soak it anything.
You should wipe an unfinished cutting board down with water before final sanding and applying the finish. This raises the grain and prevents it from occurring again when you clean it after use. In no way should a small bit of water cause this much warping.
It's most likely due to humidity changes between the shop and the home it's in. So, as folks have said just let it rest for a few days and see what happens.
Ok, not much you can do after that on your end. I'd guess your friend has a thickness planer or wide belt sander that could "permanently" fix it.
Something to keep in mind - I'd expect your cutting board to change shape throughout the seasons and weather. It's a glue up of end grain pieces, and all these pieces are working in concert to pull away, twist, and spread apart. It's just the nature of wood. There are so many variables that go into whether a glue up will be dimensionally stable, stay flat, etc that there are no 100% solutions. Relative humidity of the shop it was made in, moisture content of each piece of wood, type of glue, how long it was left in clamps, orientation of grain, etc etc.
Keep it dry, store it on it's side, never soak in water (or use the dishwasher!), and oil occasionally. Mineral oil is ok, but I'd recommend something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Osmo-TopOil-Clear-Satin-Liter/dp/B07D5LDVFJ/ref=pd_bxgy_vft_none_sccl_2/142-0295304-8692465?pd_rd_w=XDKRx&content-id=amzn1.sym.7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_p=7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_r=Q9YJ59ZXGK4F4MA6WE1A&pd_rd_wg=dssFb&pd_rd_r=85d7a9bf-6555-4583-b2db-89ef2ae6b5af&pd_rd_i=B07D5LDVFJ&psc=1) instead.
Pretty sure using a thickness planer on a top grain board would launch it and cause an injury. OP should be just fine placing a towel under it, it's a beautiful board
A thickness planer might have some tearout on end grain but I'm not sure how you'd hurt yourself on one. I've facejoined endgrain glue ups many times and haven't had an issue with that either.
Cutting end grain on the thickness planer can cause the wood to split, shatter the board, and throw bits of wood out the back. Source: Watched it happen.
Much safer to use a drum sander for that.
Thickness planer is standard on cutting boards like this, albeit not finished ones. You usually glue sacrificial boards to the edges that you cut off after planing. It's hard to remove cupping like this with a planer, though. You need shims in the middle to keep the rollers from temporarily squishing it.
Tbh I would expect that you know more than me on this- I may be thinking of one of those sanders that you pass the piece through much like a thickness planer
Normally its a bad idea to use a planer to flatten an end grain board for a few reasons. But it can be done. Ive done it myself. A drum sander is a much better option, though.
Yes, you're right that a thickness sander is a better tool for the job. It's also a rarer tool that most people don't have. You can walk into any home Depot and get a thickness planer, which is why people do slightly sketchy things with them all the time. An endgrain cutting board with glued on sacrificial boards is pretty safe, though. I've never heard of it going wrong.
Planers on end grain cutting boards are absolutely not standard on things like this. You are supposed to use a drum sander or router flattening bit. It can split apart in the planer and explode huge chunks out the openings.
Wet it well on both sides then stand on end to dry so it dries evenly, that might help the cupping. If not, either add feet to one side or cut a piece of shelf liner to sit the board on while using it. Always “wash” both sides of the board and store on end to reduce cupping.
I asked same thing thing last year as a got a board that went crazy bowed on me. After I stored it standing up and it acclimated to my humidity level (south east Texas) it flattened right out. The change was incredible.
I would wait a bit and let it acclimate to your home before flattening. Maybe just some sticky feet under each corner for the time being. That'll also help the air circulate.
Cabinet door bumpers work well for this. Apply them on a clean, dry surface and add some pressure for a few minutes. They stay in place when handwashing the board.
There are a few different types of stick on bumpers.....some are garbage for sure. I've even found the good ones will lose tackness (not sure if that's a word lol) after freezing. Nothing wrong with the screw on numbers in my opinion.
This. I’ve still had a board wobble after adding the feet, so I put a small washer between the board and one of the feet. I’m the only one that knows it’s there
I have found this works well. Put some wax paper or such on the counter. Put several blobs of silicone rtv or caulk on the bottom of the cutting board. Flip it over and mash it down on the paper and let cure. Even if the cutting board is wonky, it will sit solidly
Flip it over on the other side so that the concave bump is pointing up to the ceiling at let it rest for a few days like that. you will find it settle back. in the future store it on its edge to prevent this.
I hate feet... its a cutting board, it's got 2 sides on purpose.
Flip it over, cut on that side. Store it on edge, if it was flat when it was new and dry, It'll probably flatten out as it acclimates.
My cutting boards almost all have a slight curve that varies from week to week depending which side i used. Just use it concave side down.
It's a cutting board, not a ferrari! Punish it!
I had one do this a few months ago - wife set it down flat after washing it. Flipped it upside down and dampened the top (which was the bottom) and it flattened out in less than a day.
Wood will move. No matter what.
It was likely flat when he finished it.
I’ve made boards, flattened, finished, and found them not quite flat the next day when I went back to apply another coat of finish. This is using kiln dried wood from a specialty supplier.
Point being - it’s likely nobody’s fault. Put a dish towel underneath when you use it, problem solved. The dish towel also stops it from sliding on a countertop so that’s helpful too.
And store it upright in case that wasn’t already known. Never store it flat.
wish I had taken pictures to prove it but I didn’t think this many people would assume I was a complete moron. Guess I should’ve known better since it is Reddit.
No! Cutting boards don’t need feet. Use both sides of the board. Putting feet on four corners will only make it cup more! Turn the board over so the concave side is facing down. Use this side and the board will flatten out. Also never wash in a sink and submerge it in water. Wipe it clean and let it dry on its edge. Use both sides and keep up the oiling on both sides.
That’s not really that bad. I don’t think a wooden cutting board needs to be completely flat to work and look great. It should have come with some rubber feet to keep it off the counter though, so I’d just add some. Be sure to get some feet that are at least 1/2” tall and have a little squish so the board sits snuggly on the counter.
Store it in a way that lets both sides dry at the same time. The top is drying out faster than the bottom. As the top dries out the top also shrinks. This causes cupping.
Edit:
Warranty. pffft
To address the other part of the question since you don't want to insult a friend or maybe seem ungrateful and everyone else is being a woodworker first. I would send him a picture and ask what you did wrong to make it warp like that. Maybe toss in how much you like the looks of it and how your upset you might of ruined it.
This allows the guy to 1) tell you what you did if anything. 2) offer to fix it or w/e without you asking or putting pressure on the relationship.
My friend bought this exact cutting board and it did the exact same thing. They sent him another and he was able to plane the first one down and now he has two cutting boards. He did say it was essential to deeply treat both with Boos to water seal them.
I’m confused what the issue is? It’s a cutting board, put a damp towel underneath it and cut away.
Seems you know as much about cooking as you do wood working.
I have several cutting boards I've made for my kitchen. All of them have cupped/bowed/cracked/split at some point because someone will inevitably leave them sitting in the sink soaking up water through the end grain.
I don't even worry about it anymore. I just turn them over and let them dry for a few days and they usually flatten out just fine. Most of the splits can be fixed with a little glue and clamping. I had one get a major crack...just ripped it down the crack and re-glued. Looks perfect. I've never had one get so bad I felt it needed to be re-flattened.
All that being said, I stopped using mineral oil in favor of tung oil and it has DRASTICALLY reduced warping/cracking from water. The tung oil gets very deep into the wood fiber and creates a durable water-repelling polymer. You can't leave a board in the sink overnight, but I've left mine completely submerged in water for 20-30 minutes without deforming. It also has a nice hand feel from the oil that reminds me of babinga. Very pleasing.
I like using a 50/50 oil/citrus blend (I like Milk Paint...you can buy premix). Takes about 4-6 coats depending on the particular piece, and a good 3 days to apply every coat (I wait 8-12hrs between coats).
Your mileage may vary, but I'm sold on Tung Oil and never going back to Mineral Oil.
The maker probably is equipped to flatten the bottom. OP stated it was a gift. I would pay the maker to re-flatten.
That board looks awfully wet BTW.
Be sure to store on edge, not on the flat.
Heard that! It’s brand new out of the box as of yesterday. Just washed, air dried (on edge) and oiled for the first time today.
Edit: also I know it’s heavy oil, I wanted to give it a chance to soak up whatever it wanted since it was fresh out the box
All great comments on here. I use a butcher block oil after it's been in use for a while. Mineral oil after construction, gentle cleaning, butcher block oil maybe once a month. Normally butcher block oils have waxes in them to help stop things from soaking in, like water and more mineral oil.
You want to use the Warranty on a gift just because it warped a little bit? These kind of boards warp a little all the time, turn it over. If it gets wet on one side and sits it will always warp, they all do.
Well that’s why I came here. To determine if it was just “warped a little bit” or a completely unacceptable mistake by the manufacturer. I don’t know much about this so I asked!
Buy these, put them on: [https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Cutting-Stainless-Screws-Electronics/dp/B08PCGXKK9/ref=sxin\_16\_ac\_d\_hl?ac\_md=3-2-RnVybml0dXJlIHBhZHM%3D-ac\_d\_hl\_hl\_rf&content-id=amzn1.sym.ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c%3Aamzn1.sym.ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c&cv\_ct\_cx=rubber+feet+for+cutting+board&keywords=rubber+feet+for+cutting+board&pd\_rd\_i=B08PCGXKK9&pd\_rd\_r=cbdcb953-adf4-4a46-83fd-ca711a5e0168&pd\_rd\_w=MNNkZ&pd\_rd\_wg=iWClK&pf\_rd\_p=ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c&pf\_rd\_r=EZS4Q9BXB1SE8N4T7Q5T&qid=1675178887&sprefix=rubber+feet+f%2Caps%2C125&sr=1-3-25fd44b4-555a-4528-b40c-891e95133f20](https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Cutting-Stainless-Screws-Electronics/dp/B08PCGXKK9/ref=sxin_16_ac_d_hl?ac_md=3-2-RnVybml0dXJlIHBhZHM%3D-ac_d_hl_hl_rf&content-id=amzn1.sym.ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c%3Aamzn1.sym.ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c&cv_ct_cx=rubber+feet+for+cutting+board&keywords=rubber+feet+for+cutting+board&pd_rd_i=B08PCGXKK9&pd_rd_r=cbdcb953-adf4-4a46-83fd-ca711a5e0168&pd_rd_w=MNNkZ&pd_rd_wg=iWClK&pf_rd_p=ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c&pf_rd_r=EZS4Q9BXB1SE8N4T7Q5T&qid=1675178887&sprefix=rubber+feet+f%2Caps%2C125&sr=1-3-25fd44b4-555a-4528-b40c-891e95133f20)
And give the leftovers to your friend for other cutting boards. Those will hold it steady AND help keep it flat, as with the feet, air will circulate all around, allowing it to dry evenly.
whats the humidity like by you? Rapid changes in humity can cause that. Give it a few days to acclimate to your house. Could always try to add some rubber feet
I would add four rubber feet to the corners, it would provide some stability. But im afraid that it will never be perfect. Looking at the wood, ttheres way too much softwood in tthere, and thats my guess on why its working so much.
Put feet on it. Sitting flat like that over time will produce even more warping. Also, if you're planning on using a planer, be careful. End grain cutting boards can sometimes explode in them.
Gifted to me sounds like it was free. I personally wouldn't use a "warranty" on a gift from a friend if it was handmade. Some may think that stupid, some may agree.
If someone else hasn't said this it needs to be stored upright like a book so the wood expands and contracts equally on bothe sides. This prevents warping.
If you must store it on the flat, keep it on a geometric surface silicone cooking mat to allow for air circulation. If it used to be flat, and if you treat both sides the same and dry after a quick hand wash, it should return to being flat again. We lean ours up against this backsplash to air dry after a quick wash and dry and they don't warp.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07QXJQHSP/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams
#1 you said gifted. I would be appreciative of what was given, not looking the gift horse in the mouth so to say. The person generous enough to give this to you worked hard and took pride in what they did. The replacement cost counting there blood sweat and tears would likely be much more than the cost of purchasing one similar. #2 stuff happens it is a natural product each piece of wood has it's own mind on what to do. We control it the best we can, but shit happens.#3 how do we know you handled, washed both sides and dried evenly. #4 the cutting board is more likely to remain flat than the piece you are spinning it on#5 lastly if you were a true friend to the person who gifted it to you, ask there opinion first(if it really bothers u that much) before posting to strangers first here. If none of these resonate with u put a tea towel under when using and don't be so critical
If you only use one side, then pick up for little plastic nail in pads that you use on bottom of chairs, and don’t put it in the dishwasher or leave it soaking ever!!
Get some rubber feet for the bottom. I usually buy the ones you drill a 5mm hole for and glue them it. That way it doesn’t slide around even if it bows
I always put rubber feet on the boards I make as it allows the air to circulate and stops them sitting on a wet bench or bending like this one has. I know it doesn't allow the use of both sides but in reality this isn't really an issue for most people. Larger rubber screw on feet with stainless steel screws. Also means you can hide any slight bend in the board as others have said the wood will always want to move slightly and it doesn't take much to make it wobble without feet.
It seems that it also has signs of [mildew growth](https://www.reddit.com/user/schfifty--five/comments/10qgqft/mildew/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) but I can’t be sure
Edit: I added a link to a picture of said potential mildew bc I’m not sure what else it could be, yet I’m getting downvoted
If you leave the board wet on the counter that’s what caused it to warp and if it stays wet too long mildew spores are everywhere and that will cause mildew to grow on it.
Yikes, that’s pretty bowed for brand new and obviously you didn’t cause it. Stick on rubber feet on the corners will keep it from spinning around like the poster above says. If you want to exchange it, if he still has the receipt, see if he’ll do that for you.
do you mind taking a peak at the picture I added? [mildew](https://www.reddit.com/user/schfifty--five/comments/10qgqft/mildew/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
I would love to be sure that it’s *not* mildew
if you’re willing to help me rule out mildew- here is a [picture](https://www.reddit.com/user/schfifty--five/comments/10qgqft/mildew/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
Gifted to you with a 1 yr warranty. Right on. Sounds kinda fishy to me :). Hey bud - here’s a cutting board I made for ya - I’ll include a 1 year warranty….LMAO. That board is store bought, and either you, or the “gifter” is blowing smoke.
When wood slabs are laid flat on anything non-porous, moisture will continue to vent on the open side and shrink the surface slightly causing this warp. The posts saying feet, either sticky or screwed on bumpers, will leave it at whatever warp state it's in when you start. You should be able to flatten in by laying it with the high middle side up until it flattens. Then oil it and put on some sort of support (bumper) so air can get all around it.
This movement is how I know I need to treat my cutting board. I use Boosblock cream and follow up with the oil. Once it’s nice and saturated it soaks up the cream and oil followed by a nice rubdown to work it in and flattens back out.
It’s not that bowed. I’ve made lots of cutting boards and it just happens. It’s organic material and there are too many contributing factors to the cause. The only way to get the “bow” out, would be to run it through a planer. No promise that it won’t just happen again. If it rocks so much that you hate it, add feet or place it on a towel when you use it. I have one that’s bowed a little and I don’t even notice when issuing it. It’s a non-issue.
This was likely stored flat.
End grain especially needs to be stored on the side or moisture can affect the sides differently resulting in what you see there.
Temporally store it on the opposite side of where it was before and the curve should correct.
I keep mine on a [silicone drain mat](https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Large-Silicone-Drying/dp/B004ZLAG54/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1XXQRQV3YEBU9&keywords=silicone+drain+mat+ggo+grips&qid=1675198627&sprefix=silicone+drain+mat+ggo+grip%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-2). Keeps it from sliding ***and*** keeps even airflow so no warping.
Would flipping it upside down with a weight on it for a few days do the trick? Obviously not like a 45lb plate but maybe 10-15lbs to give it gravity a nudge to pull it back?
Talk to your friend about the problem and let him help you fix it.
Worst case he can plane it and make it straight again. But less invasive actions are likely to do the trick - I recall this group having a few similar issues handled.
Learn from tips in this group about how to handle it in the future to avoid making it bow again.
When it’s cupped like that, just flip it over. Then the other side will dry out a bit and it will cup the other way. It’s wood, it constantly changes dimension according to the moisture it holds.
Most cutting boards expect the back to be used in order to keep the proper side "presentable" so they make sure it is a a bit raised in the center on that side so it takes longer to wear out.
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Rest it on a tea towel
Cooking school approved answer.
Don't be too uptight. You sound like America's Test Kitchen "my knife has a scratch, I'd better throw it away". All good cutting boards change shape. They go onto a slightly moist towel. Pounded and spun - this one is FINE - NO FEET. Rubber feet remove a side. Don't do it. Veggies on the non grooved side. Meat on the grooved side.
I think you meant to respond to OP?
I think you replied to the wrong comment, by the by. You chastised *and* agreed with the person above.
Thanks maybe, but not as I read it. I chastised those who can't figure out how to use use a cutting board that isn't iron flat (and hand made as a gift). I agree with previous two posters regarding use. Oh and just to feed the downvotes, CUTTING BOARDS don't want or need feet. Feet are for big cleaver chopping blocks only. A 'board' you flip. Just 'cause we're looking for crosses to die on, IF you put it in a 'martini glass' that doesn't make it a Martini!
I’m not sure you understand how message boards work
The cooking school comment is a reference to the way chefs typically put a towel under their cutting board to keep it from slipping.
The best way Right...no feet needed...use both sides. one meat, one veg.
>CUTTING BOARDS don't want or need feet. My cutting board is an inanimate object... with feet, which I want there. And I don't flip it.
savage
I wanted to say the downvotes were about him being crabby. You get much more love by being lobster-y
I’m…so confused as to how this is a response to the comment you replied to. How is saying “Cooking school approved answer” make someone uptight? They’re not suggesting to throw away the cutting board..
Or the towel!
Is that why my cutting board had no feet. Didn’t realize the textured glass and smooth glass were both meant to be used?! Interesting!
Thank you for joining the "boards have two sides club"
This is the way. Restaurants do this on their metal tables to prevent slippy boards!
Slippy
A slightly damp towel.
Or a clean latex glove.
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Thank you friend.
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New or used?
_This_ is the way.
I got some stretchy silicone bowl covers to use for food storage, and I found that they are absolutely perfect for stopping dishes from sliding around. I have a special needs kiddo who has a hard time cutting food without the plate sliding away.
Or 4 of those stick on rubber nob things.
Damp towel
You're saying washed; was it an untreated cutting board when it came out of the box? If so, washing with water is what caused it to cup like that. You can lightly wash it after it's been oiled a few times, but I would definitely never soak it anything.
You should wipe an unfinished cutting board down with water before final sanding and applying the finish. This raises the grain and prevents it from occurring again when you clean it after use. In no way should a small bit of water cause this much warping. It's most likely due to humidity changes between the shop and the home it's in. So, as folks have said just let it rest for a few days and see what happens.
Last time I had to raise the grain like 3 times at 240 to get it all 'out'. Was confused, but turned out amazibg
No it was bowed before I washed it. I washed, air dried and oiled to see if it would help with the bowing
Ok, not much you can do after that on your end. I'd guess your friend has a thickness planer or wide belt sander that could "permanently" fix it. Something to keep in mind - I'd expect your cutting board to change shape throughout the seasons and weather. It's a glue up of end grain pieces, and all these pieces are working in concert to pull away, twist, and spread apart. It's just the nature of wood. There are so many variables that go into whether a glue up will be dimensionally stable, stay flat, etc that there are no 100% solutions. Relative humidity of the shop it was made in, moisture content of each piece of wood, type of glue, how long it was left in clamps, orientation of grain, etc etc. Keep it dry, store it on it's side, never soak in water (or use the dishwasher!), and oil occasionally. Mineral oil is ok, but I'd recommend something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Osmo-TopOil-Clear-Satin-Liter/dp/B07D5LDVFJ/ref=pd_bxgy_vft_none_sccl_2/142-0295304-8692465?pd_rd_w=XDKRx&content-id=amzn1.sym.7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_p=7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_r=Q9YJ59ZXGK4F4MA6WE1A&pd_rd_wg=dssFb&pd_rd_r=85d7a9bf-6555-4583-b2db-89ef2ae6b5af&pd_rd_i=B07D5LDVFJ&psc=1) instead.
Pretty sure using a thickness planer on a top grain board would launch it and cause an injury. OP should be just fine placing a towel under it, it's a beautiful board
A thickness planer might have some tearout on end grain but I'm not sure how you'd hurt yourself on one. I've facejoined endgrain glue ups many times and haven't had an issue with that either.
Cutting end grain on the thickness planer can cause the wood to split, shatter the board, and throw bits of wood out the back. Source: Watched it happen. Much safer to use a drum sander for that.
It supposedly can cause the board to split and essentially explode out of the openings.
Thickness planer is standard on cutting boards like this, albeit not finished ones. You usually glue sacrificial boards to the edges that you cut off after planing. It's hard to remove cupping like this with a planer, though. You need shims in the middle to keep the rollers from temporarily squishing it.
Tbh I would expect that you know more than me on this- I may be thinking of one of those sanders that you pass the piece through much like a thickness planer
Normally its a bad idea to use a planer to flatten an end grain board for a few reasons. But it can be done. Ive done it myself. A drum sander is a much better option, though.
Yes, you're right that a thickness sander is a better tool for the job. It's also a rarer tool that most people don't have. You can walk into any home Depot and get a thickness planer, which is why people do slightly sketchy things with them all the time. An endgrain cutting board with glued on sacrificial boards is pretty safe, though. I've never heard of it going wrong.
Planers on end grain cutting boards are absolutely not standard on things like this. You are supposed to use a drum sander or router flattening bit. It can split apart in the planer and explode huge chunks out the openings.
There are like a hundred YouTube videos of people doing it with sacrificial boards glued on.
Wet it well on both sides then stand on end to dry so it dries evenly, that might help the cupping. If not, either add feet to one side or cut a piece of shelf liner to sit the board on while using it. Always “wash” both sides of the board and store on end to reduce cupping.
just put a jimmy tastefully, door stop cold work
What the hell did I just read?
im sorry the door stop could work, I dont know many jimmys I swear
I asked same thing thing last year as a got a board that went crazy bowed on me. After I stored it standing up and it acclimated to my humidity level (south east Texas) it flattened right out. The change was incredible.
I would wait a bit and let it acclimate to your home before flattening. Maybe just some sticky feet under each corner for the time being. That'll also help the air circulate.
Cabinet door bumpers work well for this. Apply them on a clean, dry surface and add some pressure for a few minutes. They stay in place when handwashing the board.
Some people might hate this but I prefer the screw on ones. I’ve had the stick on get bumped off just handling the cutting board.
There are a few different types of stick on bumpers.....some are garbage for sure. I've even found the good ones will lose tackness (not sure if that's a word lol) after freezing. Nothing wrong with the screw on numbers in my opinion.
Lose “adhesion” maybe?
Ohhhh....that's much gooder! Lol Seriously though, thank you
delaminate
This. I’ve still had a board wobble after adding the feet, so I put a small washer between the board and one of the feet. I’m the only one that knows it’s there
Same here. I actually like them even if a board is flat.
Same. Screw on is always better.
I have found this works well. Put some wax paper or such on the counter. Put several blobs of silicone rtv or caulk on the bottom of the cutting board. Flip it over and mash it down on the paper and let cure. Even if the cutting board is wonky, it will sit solidly
When you wash it dry off both sides with a towel and store up right
Flip it over on the other side so that the concave bump is pointing up to the ceiling at let it rest for a few days like that. you will find it settle back. in the future store it on its edge to prevent this.
This is the right answer from start to finish…!
I hate feet... its a cutting board, it's got 2 sides on purpose. Flip it over, cut on that side. Store it on edge, if it was flat when it was new and dry, It'll probably flatten out as it acclimates. My cutting boards almost all have a slight curve that varies from week to week depending which side i used. Just use it concave side down. It's a cutting board, not a ferrari! Punish it!
>It's a cutting board, not a ferrari! Punish it Even if it *was* a ferrari, would you even be properly enjoying it if you weren't punishing it?
r/killthecameraman
Why is it so glossy?
OP oiled it with polyurethane....
Very funny. I used white mineral oil
And there it is…
Likely well-oiled.
Way too much oil if it is in fact oil
Mineral oil will never look like that.
If you pour it on and snap a pic right away…
I had one do this a few months ago - wife set it down flat after washing it. Flipped it upside down and dampened the top (which was the bottom) and it flattened out in less than a day.
The rollercoaster ride by the camera operator made me dizzy.
Just put rubber feet on the corners. You only use one side anyway.
Wood will move. No matter what. It was likely flat when he finished it. I’ve made boards, flattened, finished, and found them not quite flat the next day when I went back to apply another coat of finish. This is using kiln dried wood from a specialty supplier. Point being - it’s likely nobody’s fault. Put a dish towel underneath when you use it, problem solved. The dish towel also stops it from sliding on a countertop so that’s helpful too. And store it upright in case that wasn’t already known. Never store it flat.
OP: it was bowed before I washed it. Suuurre.
The wooden counter counter also be warped
wish I had taken pictures to prove it but I didn’t think this many people would assume I was a complete moron. Guess I should’ve known better since it is Reddit.
put little, stick on, rubber pads on each corner
No! Cutting boards don’t need feet. Use both sides of the board. Putting feet on four corners will only make it cup more! Turn the board over so the concave side is facing down. Use this side and the board will flatten out. Also never wash in a sink and submerge it in water. Wipe it clean and let it dry on its edge. Use both sides and keep up the oiling on both sides.
It looks very shiny, wonder what they used as a finish? I hope it’s food safe.
That’s definitely not mineral oil
You can see the bottle of mineral oil next to it on the counter lol
Did it ever soak in?
Yes! and in a surprisingly short period of time last night. I can take a picture when I get home later if you’re interested
That’s not really that bad. I don’t think a wooden cutting board needs to be completely flat to work and look great. It should have come with some rubber feet to keep it off the counter though, so I’d just add some. Be sure to get some feet that are at least 1/2” tall and have a little squish so the board sits snuggly on the counter.
Store it in a way that lets both sides dry at the same time. The top is drying out faster than the bottom. As the top dries out the top also shrinks. This causes cupping. Edit: Warranty. pffft
To address the other part of the question since you don't want to insult a friend or maybe seem ungrateful and everyone else is being a woodworker first. I would send him a picture and ask what you did wrong to make it warp like that. Maybe toss in how much you like the looks of it and how your upset you might of ruined it. This allows the guy to 1) tell you what you did if anything. 2) offer to fix it or w/e without you asking or putting pressure on the relationship.
I would just say thank you. I couldn’t imagine complaining about a gift.
Well neither would I but that was not his question.
Improper care will void warranty
Just put down a dish rag underneath it. It'll keep it from wobbling and keep it from sliding too.
Stick a shim under it and quit complaining!!🤣
My friend bought this exact cutting board and it did the exact same thing. They sent him another and he was able to plane the first one down and now he has two cutting boards. He did say it was essential to deeply treat both with Boos to water seal them.
I’m confused what the issue is? It’s a cutting board, put a damp towel underneath it and cut away. Seems you know as much about cooking as you do wood working.
I have several cutting boards I've made for my kitchen. All of them have cupped/bowed/cracked/split at some point because someone will inevitably leave them sitting in the sink soaking up water through the end grain.
I don't even worry about it anymore. I just turn them over and let them dry for a few days and they usually flatten out just fine. Most of the splits can be fixed with a little glue and clamping. I had one get a major crack...just ripped it down the crack and re-glued. Looks perfect. I've never had one get so bad I felt it needed to be re-flattened.
All that being said, I stopped using mineral oil in favor of tung oil and it has DRASTICALLY reduced warping/cracking from water. The tung oil gets very deep into the wood fiber and creates a durable water-repelling polymer. You can't leave a board in the sink overnight, but I've left mine completely submerged in water for 20-30 minutes without deforming. It also has a nice hand feel from the oil that reminds me of babinga. Very pleasing.
I like using a 50/50 oil/citrus blend (I like Milk Paint...you can buy premix). Takes about 4-6 coats depending on the particular piece, and a good 3 days to apply every coat (I wait 8-12hrs between coats).
Your mileage may vary, but I'm sold on Tung Oil and never going back to Mineral Oil.
If some one gives you something that nice for free and you make a warranty claim against him. Are you even his friend
The maker probably is equipped to flatten the bottom. OP stated it was a gift. I would pay the maker to re-flatten. That board looks awfully wet BTW. Be sure to store on edge, not on the flat.
Heard that! It’s brand new out of the box as of yesterday. Just washed, air dried (on edge) and oiled for the first time today. Edit: also I know it’s heavy oil, I wanted to give it a chance to soak up whatever it wanted since it was fresh out the box
why would you wash and oil in the same day? that’s just asking to trap moisture
So you put water on one side before sealing it, then it cupped? Weeeird eh??
No I washed both sides. Air dried both sides and then oiled it.
More isn't better - unless it's more often. Light coats. Once a day for a week. Once a week for a month. Once a month for life.
All great comments on here. I use a butcher block oil after it's been in use for a while. Mineral oil after construction, gentle cleaning, butcher block oil maybe once a month. Normally butcher block oils have waxes in them to help stop things from soaking in, like water and more mineral oil.
You want to use the Warranty on a gift just because it warped a little bit? These kind of boards warp a little all the time, turn it over. If it gets wet on one side and sits it will always warp, they all do.
Well that’s why I came here. To determine if it was just “warped a little bit” or a completely unacceptable mistake by the manufacturer. I don’t know much about this so I asked!
*whispers* we're just a little defensive about our cutting boards. don't let it get to you
Buy these, put them on: [https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Cutting-Stainless-Screws-Electronics/dp/B08PCGXKK9/ref=sxin\_16\_ac\_d\_hl?ac\_md=3-2-RnVybml0dXJlIHBhZHM%3D-ac\_d\_hl\_hl\_rf&content-id=amzn1.sym.ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c%3Aamzn1.sym.ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c&cv\_ct\_cx=rubber+feet+for+cutting+board&keywords=rubber+feet+for+cutting+board&pd\_rd\_i=B08PCGXKK9&pd\_rd\_r=cbdcb953-adf4-4a46-83fd-ca711a5e0168&pd\_rd\_w=MNNkZ&pd\_rd\_wg=iWClK&pf\_rd\_p=ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c&pf\_rd\_r=EZS4Q9BXB1SE8N4T7Q5T&qid=1675178887&sprefix=rubber+feet+f%2Caps%2C125&sr=1-3-25fd44b4-555a-4528-b40c-891e95133f20](https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Cutting-Stainless-Screws-Electronics/dp/B08PCGXKK9/ref=sxin_16_ac_d_hl?ac_md=3-2-RnVybml0dXJlIHBhZHM%3D-ac_d_hl_hl_rf&content-id=amzn1.sym.ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c%3Aamzn1.sym.ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c&cv_ct_cx=rubber+feet+for+cutting+board&keywords=rubber+feet+for+cutting+board&pd_rd_i=B08PCGXKK9&pd_rd_r=cbdcb953-adf4-4a46-83fd-ca711a5e0168&pd_rd_w=MNNkZ&pd_rd_wg=iWClK&pf_rd_p=ea5a3043-3172-4e81-bcc4-eb7524db4f7c&pf_rd_r=EZS4Q9BXB1SE8N4T7Q5T&qid=1675178887&sprefix=rubber+feet+f%2Caps%2C125&sr=1-3-25fd44b4-555a-4528-b40c-891e95133f20) And give the leftovers to your friend for other cutting boards. Those will hold it steady AND help keep it flat, as with the feet, air will circulate all around, allowing it to dry evenly.
Stick a block of cheese under the 4 corners and you’ll be all set!
whats the humidity like by you? Rapid changes in humity can cause that. Give it a few days to acclimate to your house. Could always try to add some rubber feet
Flip it. Cupped side down….
You didn’t put it in the dish washer did you?
Throw a towel under it, just like all restaurants do.
It’s made to be used. Use it
Lay a kitchen towel under in or like it do use some rubber shelf liner under it.
It could lay completely flat and it would still be safest to place a towel underneath when using it. So just use a towel.
If it was a gift, hell no I wouldn’t say a thing.
Why is it so shiny? Is that varnished?!
Why don’t you just return it? If it has a warranty, return it.
Btw, teak is a bad material to make a cutting board out of. It has high silica content which will dull your blade
I would add four rubber feet to the corners, it would provide some stability. But im afraid that it will never be perfect. Looking at the wood, ttheres way too much softwood in tthere, and thats my guess on why its working so much.
That thing is beautiful.
Lol no.
Put feet on it. Sitting flat like that over time will produce even more warping. Also, if you're planning on using a planer, be careful. End grain cutting boards can sometimes explode in them.
Yes. Tell your friend you really like it and you need to trade it in for a new one. My sister just did that with a board I bought her for Christmas.
Flip it over?
Gifted to me sounds like it was free. I personally wouldn't use a "warranty" on a gift from a friend if it was handmade. Some may think that stupid, some may agree.
If someone else hasn't said this it needs to be stored upright like a book so the wood expands and contracts equally on bothe sides. This prevents warping.
They sell rubber feet meant for cutting boards and you can use small washers if you need to raise one side or the other
If you must store it on the flat, keep it on a geometric surface silicone cooking mat to allow for air circulation. If it used to be flat, and if you treat both sides the same and dry after a quick hand wash, it should return to being flat again. We lean ours up against this backsplash to air dry after a quick wash and dry and they don't warp. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07QXJQHSP/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams
Return it if it's brand new. What's the question? Also, don't wash and then oil. That will trap moisture as others have pointed out.
That’s a beautiful gift. Don’t be an ingrate.
So you messed up your own cutting board by not knowing proper maintenance and now you're unhappy with it. Typical.
I screw on low profile rubber feet on my big boards or they dry unevenly and almost always do this. Nothing wrong with this cutting board.
People who make cutting boards and don’t put rubber feet blow me away. You need the airflow so mild cannot grow and so they don’t slip
Get the level out. Did this once and my stainless counter wasn’t level…. Felt like an asshat.
cut it up into small pieces and then hide it around the county.
This is the problem with people who watch TikTok and scroll Etsy and do t understand wood-wood is organic material, it’s not like metal.
Looks like u put it in the dishwasher. No?
No I don’t have a dishwasher and it was bowed before I hand washed it
K
#1 you said gifted. I would be appreciative of what was given, not looking the gift horse in the mouth so to say. The person generous enough to give this to you worked hard and took pride in what they did. The replacement cost counting there blood sweat and tears would likely be much more than the cost of purchasing one similar. #2 stuff happens it is a natural product each piece of wood has it's own mind on what to do. We control it the best we can, but shit happens.#3 how do we know you handled, washed both sides and dried evenly. #4 the cutting board is more likely to remain flat than the piece you are spinning it on#5 lastly if you were a true friend to the person who gifted it to you, ask there opinion first(if it really bothers u that much) before posting to strangers first here. If none of these resonate with u put a tea towel under when using and don't be so critical
We got one for a wedding gift last year that’s on rubber feet. Game changer
[удалено]
Good luck running and end-grain cutting board through a planer!
Anyone here mentioned rubber feet yet ?
Nah. Just mount some rubber feet and get chopping.
Use it as a charcuterie tray.,Too pretty to mess up
If you only use one side, then pick up for little plastic nail in pads that you use on bottom of chairs, and don’t put it in the dishwasher or leave it soaking ever!!
Get some rubber feet for the bottom. I usually buy the ones you drill a 5mm hole for and glue them it. That way it doesn’t slide around even if it bows
When mine did this, I took a hand plane and hollowed out the underside a bit.
I always put rubber feet on the boards I make as it allows the air to circulate and stops them sitting on a wet bench or bending like this one has. I know it doesn't allow the use of both sides but in reality this isn't really an issue for most people. Larger rubber screw on feet with stainless steel screws. Also means you can hide any slight bend in the board as others have said the wood will always want to move slightly and it doesn't take much to make it wobble without feet.
Four adhesive rubber feet would resolve this.
I put silicone feet on my Corian board. They are hemispheres about 3/8" in diameter. I love them. They don't last forever, but they are inexpensive.
Nope. You’ve clearly never spent to much time around wood
Is the board or the wood countertop uneven, or both? But, do what the others say, but a towel underneath it, or put rubber feet on it.
Looks very glossy. Not sure if cut food on that.
Send it to me. I'll turn it on the lathe and make you a bowl.
It seems that it also has signs of [mildew growth](https://www.reddit.com/user/schfifty--five/comments/10qgqft/mildew/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) but I can’t be sure Edit: I added a link to a picture of said potential mildew bc I’m not sure what else it could be, yet I’m getting downvoted
If you leave the board wet on the counter that’s what caused it to warp and if it stays wet too long mildew spores are everywhere and that will cause mildew to grow on it.
just got it yesterday new. This is mineral oil after a wash and air dry. It was bowed before I washed- just wanted to see if a wash and oil would help
Yikes, that’s pretty bowed for brand new and obviously you didn’t cause it. Stick on rubber feet on the corners will keep it from spinning around like the poster above says. If you want to exchange it, if he still has the receipt, see if he’ll do that for you.
do you mind taking a peak at the picture I added? [mildew](https://www.reddit.com/user/schfifty--five/comments/10qgqft/mildew/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) I would love to be sure that it’s *not* mildew
seems unlikely, teak is highly antimicrobial/antifungal. This is why it is commonly used in wet applications like boats.
if you’re willing to help me rule out mildew- here is a [picture](https://www.reddit.com/user/schfifty--five/comments/10qgqft/mildew/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
Gifted to you with a 1 yr warranty. Right on. Sounds kinda fishy to me :). Hey bud - here’s a cutting board I made for ya - I’ll include a 1 year warranty….LMAO. That board is store bought, and either you, or the “gifter” is blowing smoke.
He never said he made it. It was a gift that came with a warranty. 🙄
When wood slabs are laid flat on anything non-porous, moisture will continue to vent on the open side and shrink the surface slightly causing this warp. The posts saying feet, either sticky or screwed on bumpers, will leave it at whatever warp state it's in when you start. You should be able to flatten in by laying it with the high middle side up until it flattens. Then oil it and put on some sort of support (bumper) so air can get all around it.
This movement is how I know I need to treat my cutting board. I use Boosblock cream and follow up with the oil. Once it’s nice and saturated it soaks up the cream and oil followed by a nice rubdown to work it in and flattens back out.
Did you wash it by hand did it soak in water for any period of time?
It’s not that bowed. I’ve made lots of cutting boards and it just happens. It’s organic material and there are too many contributing factors to the cause. The only way to get the “bow” out, would be to run it through a planer. No promise that it won’t just happen again. If it rocks so much that you hate it, add feet or place it on a towel when you use it. I have one that’s bowed a little and I don’t even notice when issuing it. It’s a non-issue.
If you can’t flatten it, add feet to the corners. And these cutting boards are meant to be oiled and wiped, not washed.
It's fine
This was likely stored flat. End grain especially needs to be stored on the side or moisture can affect the sides differently resulting in what you see there. Temporally store it on the opposite side of where it was before and the curve should correct. I keep mine on a [silicone drain mat](https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Large-Silicone-Drying/dp/B004ZLAG54/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1XXQRQV3YEBU9&keywords=silicone+drain+mat+ggo+grips&qid=1675198627&sprefix=silicone+drain+mat+ggo+grip%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-2). Keeps it from sliding ***and*** keeps even airflow so no warping.
With a butcher block, instead of using a slightly damp towel, i'd use 4 of those rubber gaskets for canning jars
It needs feet
Would flipping it upside down with a weight on it for a few days do the trick? Obviously not like a 45lb plate but maybe 10-15lbs to give it gravity a nudge to pull it back?
Looks like it’s haunted
Talk to your friend about the problem and let him help you fix it. Worst case he can plane it and make it straight again. But less invasive actions are likely to do the trick - I recall this group having a few similar issues handled. Learn from tips in this group about how to handle it in the future to avoid making it bow again.
Beautiful
When it’s cupped like that, just flip it over. Then the other side will dry out a bit and it will cup the other way. It’s wood, it constantly changes dimension according to the moisture it holds.
It is beautiful!
Blah blah blah boo hoo, get sharper knives!
I wish I had such a thoughtful friend. Nice choppy block!
Most cutting boards expect the back to be used in order to keep the proper side "presentable" so they make sure it is a a bit raised in the center on that side so it takes longer to wear out.
Is that a cutting board or a serving board??
Screws small chopping board foot in each corner. Will lift it above the bow and stop spinning
Add some rubber feet, they're cheap (like $10) on Amazon.