STL272: The end of the end-grain cutting board?

Question 1:

From Michael:
Hey Ben, I was talking with prospective client about a making him a cutting board. I confidently recommend end grain when people ask about cutting boards. But he did some research and showed me this video that debunks the idea that end grain is the superior choice.  The video is 3 years old, so maybe you’ve come across it already. If you haven’t, I would love to hear your take on it. Also, there are other very interesting points these kitchen professionals make about cutting boards that I think woodworkers would like to know.

Question 2:

From Jarmo (in Germany):
I am working on the desig of a Krenov-style wall cabinet and would like to include a kumiko panel in the solid wood door. (Allthough, I guess, with kumiko it wouldn’t really be Krenov-style any more…)
How should I attach the kumiko and deal with wood movement? The door would be about 14″ wide with a 6″ by 6″ kumiko panel in the middle.
Is the panel small enough, so that I could just glue it in or should I use some kind of frame to make it float inside its opening? Any other ideas?

Huge fan of the show, I love the perfect mix of lighthearted banter and hardcore woodworking info. Keep it up!

Question 3:

From Bob:

My question is about box making. I have made a lot of stuff over the years but have rarely ventured far away from butt joints, rabbets and an occasional pocket hole joining. I hear you all talk frequently about making boxes which are simple AND can be a challenge so I tried one the other day with rabbet joinery and exposed dowels to dress it slightly. I rabbeted a top to fit and overall I was pleased with the outcome. I did learn from all of you that “sneaking up on a fit” is very acceptable woodworking to prevent stressing out over making that one cut fit perfecting with just one cut. It was a joy.

My question:
What would you suggest as my next step to go a little farther with the corner joinery and top without jumping in over my head? I think the answer is box joints and a hinged top but i would love to hear your suggestions.

Question 4:

From Tom:
Shoptalk team,
I read Mario Rodriguez’s article in Issue 234 (Make Shellac Your Go-To Finish) about how to mix, prep for, and apply shellac. Still, I cant seem to avoid drips, pooling, and brush marks. When I try to remedy these errors with an abrasive pad or razor blade per the article, I still end up with streaks or lumps of shellac in the finished product. I’ve been starting with a freshly mixed 1lb cut wash coat, then a 1 1/2lb cut to build a finish. Any ideas about how to improve my process?

Every two weeks, a team of Fine Woodworking staffers answers questions from readers on Shop Talk Live, Fine Woodworking‘s biweekly podcast. Send your woodworking questions to [email protected] for consideration in the regular broadcast! Our continued existence relies upon listener support. So if you enjoy the show, be sure to leave us a five-star rating and maybe even a nice comment on our iTunes page.