Expert: maura macaluso - 10/22/2007

Question
HI MAURA, I WANT TO PUT SOME DRAINING GROOVES IN MY BUTCHERS BLOCK KITCHEN WORKTOP WHICH IS ALREADY FITTED. YOUR ADVICE PLEASE, THANK YOU.

Answer
Hi there, I am assuming that when you say the butchers block is already fitted, that it can't be removed from where it is and that the work must be done "en situ" or on site in the kitchen.  Two methods come to mind immediately. the first is a small router or laminate trimmer using a signmakers bit (a small v) using either a guide or a very steady hand.  The downside to that is the router will create lots of dust in the kitchen.  The other method would be to use a woodcarvers veiner (small) and hand carve the grooves. No real mess using this method but you would either need to know a carver to do the job or to borrow the tool from.  a decent veiner will run you between $20 and 30 and can be purchased online.  Those would be my preferred methods but if you have a dremel with a carving bit or small router bit, this could be used also.

The trick to any method you use would be to get the lines uniform and equidistant from each other so that it it appears right to the eye and not a chop-job. The lines should be drawn in pencil first, using a ruler and followed closely. If you are not comfortable with tools, find a friend who is.
You are only going to get one shot to do this right or you will need to do labor intensive sanding to smooth the surface and start again.

After you have grooved the surface, you will need to reseal the wood to prevent it from soaking up food juices.  You can purchase boiled linseed oil at any hardware or art/craft store.  There is even a product called "salad bowl finish". Both products will be applied the same way.  apply liberally using a brush or rag, let sit 15 mins or so, then wipe off any excess. repeat this process one more time, allowing it to sit for a few hours.  Using a rag, remove all excess oil, paying special attention to the grooves. let it sit for a few days and then, using a soft cotton cloth, buff it out.  Then give it a couple more days to be sure that the finish has cured.  Your butcher block will be out of commission for roughly 4 days but then will be good to go.  Thanks for the question