How to Make a Through Inlay Cutting Board with Thin Rip ? - KitchnKnife

Last Updated on July 15, 2025 by Kathay Lee

Table of Contents

How To Make A Through Inlay Cutting Board With Thin Tip

A through inlay cutting board is not just useful it’s a piece of art for your kitchen. The inlay adds style, depth, and custom detail. With the Thin Rip technique, you can achieve clean, repeatable cuts that make the inlay process much easier.

This guide will walk you through the full process. We’ll use simple tools, easy steps, and natural materials like brass inlay, marble inlay, and end grain wood.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To get started, gather these items:

Table saw with rip guide
Hardwoods (e.g., walnut, maple, cherry)
Brass inlay, marble inlay, or marble woodpeckers
Glue, clamps, and sandpaper
Safety gear: goggles, hearing protection
Optional: charcuterie board feet, food-safe oil

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Wood

Start by picking two or more hardwoods with contrast. For example, walnut and maple look great together.

Cut your wood into strips. You can also try woven woodworking styles or patterns for a bold look.

Keep your pieces flat and straight. If the board isn’t even, the inlay won’t sit right.

Step 2: Use the Thin Rip Technique

Thin Rip lets you make super thin, repeatable strips on a table saw. Here’s how:

Attach a rip guide to your fence.
Set your saw blade for a narrow cut around 1/8 inch works well.
Push your wood through slowly and steadily.

These strips will become your inlay. You can use wood, brass, or even thin strips of marble. If you’re using marble cutting, take extra care and use the right blade.

Step 3: Create the Through Inlay Pattern

Mark where you want the inlay to go. A curved inlay adds style but takes more time.

Use a table saw or router to cut the inlay groove.

Now, fit your Thin Rip strips into the groove. Make sure they fit snug. Apply glue evenly and press the inlay into place.

You can get creative here. Try combining wood cutting strips with marble inlay for a high-end look.

Step 4: Clamp, Dry, and Sand

Clamp the board tightly and let it dry overnight. Once the glue sets:

Sand the surface smooth
Make sure the inlay is flush with the board
Start with 80-grit sandpaper and finish with 220-grit

If needed, fill small gaps with sawdust and glue.

Step 5: Finish Your Cutting Board

Now your inlay board is almost done. Let’s finish it off:

Apply a food-safe finish, like mineral oil or beeswax.
Let it soak, then wipe off the extra.
Add rubber feet if you want to turn it into a charcuterie board.

Your board is now ready for the kitchen or as a handmade gift!

Maintenance Tips

To keep your cutting board beautiful:

Wash it with warm, soapy water
Dry right away don’t soak
Avoid putting it in the dishwasher
Reapply oil every few weeks

Final Thoughts

A DIY wood inlay cutting board adds beauty and function to your kitchen. With Thin Rip cuts and a little planning, you can create a design that pops.

Whether you use brass inlay, marble woodpeckers, or traditional wood cutting strips, this project is both fun and rewarding. Try adding curves or mix materials for a unique board. Once you’re done, it can serve as a daily tool or a stylish charcuterie board at your next party.

FAQs

Q1: What is a through inlay cutting board?
A through inlay cutting board has decorative strips (like wood, brass, or marble) embedded all the way through the board. These inlays are both stylish and strong.

Q2: What does “Thin Rip” mean in woodworking?
Thin Rip is a method of cutting thin, even strips of material using a table saw and a rip guide. It ensures precise and repeatable inlay strips.

Q3: Can I use soft wood for the cutting board?
It’s best to use hardwoods like maple, walnut, or cherry. Soft woods can get damaged quickly with knife use.

Q4: Can I inlay materials other than wood?
Yes! You can use brass inlay, marble inlay, or even epoxy. Just make sure they’re food-safe if you’ll use the board for food prep.