Thread: Unwarping wood

Hi everyone
Has anyone got practical experience of dealing with warped hardwood, by wetting and compressing the timber to straighten it?

David has been constructing an entertainment unit out of Tassie Oak, and the doors (3) were made by laminating 5 boards with biscuits. The lamination appeared to be quite successful, however, the doors have developed a centre bow of up to 3mm. The doors are 520x540x19mm. Our first thought was to use a thicknesser, however, there is none in our town, that will handle this width.

Worst case scenario, is obviously to buy more timber and try again, however, the cost will be considerable. I recall talking to a chippie who had received bowed material which he was using for a decorative front fence, and he told me that he wet the timber down, and put weight on it, and successfully took out the bow.

Has anyone done this? If so, how wet must the timber be? Should it be dried with air underneath, or just with weights? How long does the process take?

Here's hoping the 'cavalry' in the form of someone experienced, can help us out. And before the woodcrafting brigade start telling me about spokeshaves, or hand planes, or any specialist woodworking handtools, David isn't that kind of woodie. Also, even with machinery, we need to be careful with how much we take off, because the doors will not fit correctly.

Cheers
LiliB