I’m finally back in the shop and focused on cutting boards for a while.  I have about a month and a half before my next big show, so I have a little time to work on new designs and products that have been floating around in my head.  All of my light woods are hard maple, but the grain, or lack thereof, doesn’t have a lot of character.  Figured maple can be very dramatic, but it can be a little pricy and not always available.  Because of this, I am experimenting with ash.  Ash is almost as hard as maple and has a very pronounced grain pattern.

I have a large inventory of end grain boards, but I’m getting low on the less expensive face grain ones.  Face grain boards are simpler to make, thus requiring less labor.  The lower price points contribute to more sales and a faster turnover of inventory.  I’ve always had a few at each show, but I was never satisfied that I had a big enough selection and styles.  This will be changing this week.  I also have some new dipping board designs drying in the clamps right now using ash.