Can I use exotic woods for cutting boards?
I had ripped exotic species, including purpleheart, bloodwood, padauk, and teak, and some had an oily residue seeping out. Will this affect glue joints? Are these woods safe choices for use with food?
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Q:
While building cutting boards from multiple exotic species, including purpleheart, bloodwood, padauk, and teak, I noticed that after I had ripped all the strips to width, some had an oily residue seeping out. Will this affect my glue joints? Are these woods safe choices for use with food?
— Julian Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas
A:
As you discovered, Julian, many exotic wood species contain oil even when dry. Before gluing the joints together (using a water-resistant wood glue), you need to clean them, as shown above. Not doing so could cause those joints to come apart later. And, although the oils are not harmful, regular cleaning of cutting boards after each use will prevent any issues.
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