I've made a number of endgrain butcher block tops. I've always glued strips of alternating species, then sanded and crosscut to the thickness of the top, then glued the crosscuts together. But, this time I'd like to make a top in a herringbone pattern. The only process I can come up with is to cut the 1x2 stock in pieces with the length equalling the thickness of the top, and piece it all together in what would amount to an ugly glue bath on my worktable.
Any alternate, and less messy, process advice would be GREATLY appreciated.