Sometimes making nice things is quite easy. If you have really good raw materials and don't get crazy you can get a fine result with almost no skill.
I was given a piece of ash and all it needed was sanding and hemp oil to finish.
I started with disk sanding using my 4 1/2 angle grinder initially to flatten the slab and then belt sander time with 80 then 120 grit belts. By the time I was done the garage was filled with dust even though the door was open.
Once I got the slab flat and mostly smooth I moved into the shop and used my random orbital sander to get a glass smooth finish.
I put two coats of water based varnish on the bark and three coats of hemp oil on the face. We now have a charcuterie board that is nearly three feet long. Isn't that want every family needs?
cheers ianw