How to flatten warped mango wood tabletop slab?

[AntonT]

   

I have a mango wood slab I am using as a tabletop for a bar outside. 

One side has warped and sits proud of the base. 

I was thinking of putting wood above and below and clamping it down to allow me to screw it to the tabletop but I thought someone may have a better idea. 

See photos. 

[EricL]

Hello @AntonT 

Thanks for sharing your question regarding your mango tabletop. If your metal frame is strong enough to hold the bowed timber you should be able to anchor it to the steel. As far as I'm aware the only way to repair this type of bow is by using steam to relax the fibres of the wood. However, I'm not sure where to find such large steam cabinets.    

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

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. 

Eric

[Dave-1]

Evening @AntonT 

Mmmm I do have an idea but its a slow idea....

I have had long lengths of hardwood posts and rails that have had a bannana bend to them. Me being me I flipped them upside down and piled other heavy wood on them and left it for 6 months, the bend almost corrected itself. The lengths of timber were stretched bewteen the edge of the deck and an old retaining wall fence.

So If you have the time undo it from the bench and flip it upside down across some high points and then load with bricks or weights on the peak of the bend. I am not sure how flexible mango wood is but dont think its going to be as hard as hardwood so it may level out.

I think if you force it then you may succced but the force required will be more then most products I can think will handle it for enough time for it to flatten.

Dave

[AntonT]

Thank you Eric. I'll try and if not I might call around to see if I can find someone locally who can help. 

[AntonT]

Thank you. Makes a lot of sense. 

Mango wood is quite soft so that would work. 

I'll call it plan B. 

[Dave-1]

Evening @AntonT 

lol I like that!

If it works or dosnt I do think it could be a nice project as that type of question has popped up a few times over the past year or so.

Dave

[Dave-1]

Evening again @AntonT 

Found the post/thread of the bent timber that might help you out.

How to unwarp Pine sleeper? 

Dave

[AntonT]

Thank you. 

[Noyade]

Apologies in advance @AntonT as I tend to overthink/engineer things.

Looking closer - there are only 2 screws that were holding the right side?

I like your idea above with the wood but was wondering if a 'see-saw' effect would tear out the opposite side screws?

Plan F.

Cut the heads off large bolts.

Drill holes in plate steel for the bolts and many screws.

Weld the bolts above the plate and angle grind flat.

Drill accompanying holes for the bolts, at the very ends of the frame.

Position. Insert all the screws.

Slowly (maybe daily) turn and tighten the nuts.

Do this for both ends.

Whatever happens, we would like to see how you get on.

Cheers.

[AntonT]

Plan F. 😂 

That would certainly do the trick but I'll start by trying the low tech solution first. I can't weld so that I'd need to find someone to do it for me. Or perhaps there are premade items I can purchase from Bunnings and screw to the underside of the table (plan G) ? 

There are 2 screws currently, but there will be additional ones if it looks like it stands a chance. This is also preferred as it will limit the risk of someone hurting their leg on a nut or bolt. 

I will definitely report back.