Tiny Tool Time

Homemade gnocchi deserves a proper gnocchi board, and making one yourself adds an extra layer of satisfaction to the cooking process. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to craft a gnocchi board out of 1/4" maple using versatile the Proxxon tools. The MICRO Mill MF70 is perfect for the precise grooves. The result is a beautiful, functional kitchen tool that will last for years.

Materials and Tools:

• 1/4" thick maple board (approx. 3" × 7" or 8" is ideal for a gnocchi board)

• Proxxon Table Saw FET

• Proxxon MICRO Mill MF70

• Proxxon scroll saw

• Sandpaper (grits 120, 220, 400)

• Pencil and ruler

• Food‑safe mineral oil or beeswax finish

Let's make a gnocchi board:

Step 1: Prepare Your Maple Blank
Use the table saw to cut your maple board to size—3" wide and 7" or 8" long works well. Mark the centerline where the first grooves will be milled. Leave about ½" on each side.

Step 2: Mill the Grooves with the MF70
 Practice cutting the grooves on a scrap blank until you're happy with the result. Record the revolutions used for each axis. Mark the centerline on your maple blank. When you're ready to begin your gnocchi board, secure the maple blank firmly with clamps on the MF70’s worktable. Using a small end mill bit (around 3mm), set the depth to about 2mm. Mill parallel grooves across the board’s face, spacing them about 2mm apart. Work slowly and steadily—precision is key for even ridges that give gnocchi their classic texture. Begin milling the first groove at the marked centerline. Mill grooves to the left and right of the centerline to complete the gnocchi board. 

Use the hand wheels on  the X, Y, and Z axes for accuracy. Each hand wheel has zero adjustable scales: 1 revolution = 3/64" (1mm), 1 division = .002" (.05mm). 

Step 3: Cut the Draw and Cut a Handle Outline a handle at the top of the blank. Use bandsaw or scroll saw to cut along the pencil line to create a handle. This makes the board easy to hold while rolling gnocchi. Optionally, you can drill a hole for hanging the gnocchi board in the top center of the handle.

Step 4: Sand and Finish
Sand the entire board, starting with 120 grit and working up to 400 grit for a silky finish. Pay special attention to the grooves—a piece of folded sandpaper works to smooth them out. Apply a food‑safe finish like mineral oil to protect the wood and highlight the maple’s natural beauty.

Step 5: Test Your Board
Roll a piece of gnocchi dough across the grooves. You should see neat ridges that help sauce cling to the pasta.
Enjoy your handmade gnocchi board in the kitchen—it’s both functional and a conversation piece!

Variations & Creative Twists

• Try different woods like cherry or walnut for a richer look. Be sure that the hardwood you select is food safe—some exotic woods are not. 
• Add a grip hole rather than a handle.
• Personalize the board with a wood burned design or initials.

Carole