End Grain Cutting Boards - Groove cutting

[tim walker]

So I am making the Wood Whisperer's end grain cutting board. Dimensions are 11-1/4"x17"x1-1/4"
. The end grain is hard maple and purple-heart. TWW cuts a recess on each end 4" x 1-1/4"x1/2" for handling. I agree it needs one as it is very heavy. His recess is cut such that if the board were flipped over, you can see the full recess. So my question is would it be prudent to cut a similar recess but to center it on the end. That would only give a thickness of 3/8" above and below the recess. I am not sure that is thick enough especially since it is end grain, Then final reason I am contemplating this it seems a waste to have a two sided board and only use one side. So I am thinking about routing a groove on the opposite face to catch liquids. Does it make sense or is it safe to attempt to cut a 1/4" deep groove on end grain?

[Hoang N Nguyen]

I made the same cutting board from TWW awhile back and did my recess the same as him. The only reason for that is I didn't have a router bit to put it in the center and I also installed small 1/4" rubber feet on the bottom so the board doesn't slide on me.

There's no reason why you can't put the finger recess in the center and I don't see any ill affects by it. Even though it's end grain, there's still long grain along the recess and the board isn't heavy enough to cause any trouble.

[Randy Henry]

I opted not to put the handle recess in, rather, I bought rubber feet from McMaster Carr to put on the bottom. It keeps the cutting boards off the counter top, and no sliding around. I rout a juice groove in all the ones I make, which is up to 30. I also put a 1 1/2 inch radius on the corners to soften the corners.

[Dave Cullen]

The Amana 54302 flute bit is good for finger slots -

http://www.toolstoday.com/p-5020-edge-fluting-router-bits.aspx?variantids=5986,0?source=googleproducts&gdftrk=gdfV22404_a_7c1444_a_7c6865_a_7c54302&gclid=CMv0mfvArskCFZYWHwodD88CmQ

[William C Rogers]

Hat is the way I do mine. I use some sort bit that came in a set I bought years ago. The bit Dave referenced would be easier than what I have done.

325925

[glenn bradley]

I'm a middle grip guy too. Many folks use the juice groove side for meats and the other side for veggies.

325927 . 325928

[Larry Copas]

Plunge cut finger hold with a cove cutter on the shaper.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/5tucker/P8110029.jpg