How to unwarp timber top of cabinet?

[Kaypee]

I have been given an antique highboy (family heirloom) to refurbish and revarnish.  I am confident of obtaining a good finish. However, I have a problem with top of the cabinet. The timber top, which measures approximately 100 x 40 x 8mm is seriously warped and I really want to preserve it..............can I wet it thoroughly and weight it flat with bricks or must I use (say) steam which I have no easy access to? Incidently, I am confident I can repair the split in the side panel ( see image 1).

Additionally, can you tell me where I can access the very small turned 'feet' shown in image 3.

Regards

Kaypee

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[EricL]

Hello @Kaypee 

I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to flatten warped mango wood tabletop slab? by @AntonT. There were a number of suggestions made, but my favourite was the use of hot towels and steels clamps. I feel this would be an ideal technique to possibly straighten your warped cabinet top.

In regards to the turned feet, I'm sorry but these are unavailable at the store. You could build a drill powered lathe to copy the feet, otherwise I suggest changing them to small, rounded timber moulding.

Let me call on our experienced members @JoeAzza, @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[AntonT]

That was an excellent discussion with some really terrific suggestions. 

And I'm pleased to advise the top is still flat, and the most magnificent place for a coffee at sunrise. 

Could do with a revarnish though but that's on me. 

Good luck with your project. That looks like a beautiful piece. 

 

[EricL]

Hi @AntonT 

Thank you for the update. it's good to know that the slab has kept its shape.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Kaypee 

I would Google a "local men's shed". Many of these guys tun wood on a lathe and could replicate those feet in a matter of minutes with the right timber.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Evening @Kaypee 

The guys have beat me to the punch Both @EricL and @Nailbag;'s suggestions are my thoughts as well.

With the wetting to help level out the top, I would go slow and distribute the weight evenly say with 3 of timber strips 35 * 70mm stood verticaly on the side and then something to rest the bricks on. Mostly to distribute the weight as evenly as possible. I would wet it once or twice a day then replace the beams and weights. It may take a few weeks but slow and small would give you the best chance of return it to level. I wouldnt overload it at first until the sharpest curve is much flatter.

Totally agree with @Nailbag and a mens shed being able to spin up a replacement for you.

Dave

[Noyade]

G'day @EricL 

"You could build a drill powered lathe to copy the feet"

Have you made one in the past? Photos and plans to show us?

I'd be very interested in making one.

Cheers!

In the meantime @Kaypee  - visiting a men's shed sounds like a great idea. Looks like you need three made?

[JoeAzza]

Hi @Kaypee , I agree with all the previous suggestions re straight ending the top panel, with the round feet at the bottom, you could jigsaw a circle of timber (pine or hardwood) with the correct thickness of the feet, 

just cut the bottom section of the leg and fit the round piece of timber to the base, you could screw it place, so if it wears out again, you can easily replace it.