Depending on moisture a butcher block may expand as much as 3/16” (assuming that your table is maple). The wider the block the greater the expansion. But it will only expand and contract in width, not length. And expansion will be greatest in the summer months. I presume you're in the south since you mention Houston. I'm in Gautier, MS, so we both know miserable summer humidity and I know you'll get max expansion in the summer.
Of course, if your machine is in a stable environment and humidity is controlled, you could seal the board and you probably wouldn't have that much expansion, if any. But I wouldn't take the chance. I do a lot of woodworking, I personally wouldn't recommend it.
And very nice machine! If you feel like giving it away (ha!) please email me.
Last edited by gdc; 05-28-2005 at 12:07 AM.
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