Warped wood means it's over?

[abokolor]

So basically I'm getting the idea that once a piece of wood has been warped, there is no way known to woodworkers of bringing it back to shape?

[TDHofstetter]

Hi, Al.

Depends on what caused the warpage, to some extent.

If the wood warped as it returned to its own "true shape" (how ZEN, huh?) by the relief of internal stresses, it's probably gonna stay warped. Best you can do there is plane it flat & use it as thinner stock - possibly cutting it into shorter pieces first so's to maximize your salvage (minimize your tossy losses).

If the wood warped as it was setting up NEW internal stresses, as by taking on moisture unevenly or sagging from being poorly stored or being steamed or whatsomeever, then sometimes you can "take it back" by adding moisture to the concave surface and applying stress in the other direction as it dries again. Sometimes all it takes is drying the convex side thoroughly.

If the wood warped due to its own "true nature", that being by the normal "respiration" of ambient humidity, then it's a-gonna flex back & forth forever a'cause it's a once-live thing & it likes to flutter & flap. :)

-- Tim --

A novice has many options,
An expert, only a few.

[Kendemp]

Hey Al,

I saw your post from the other day, and had hoped someone would jump in with a suggestion. I think the problem may be that your description is a bit unclear. There's plenty of things that could cause the warp, and probably plenty that could be done to make it better. Lots of experience here, and someone is sure to know something on the subject. Any chance you could post a few pics showing the door, and what it's doing? That might generate some activity.

Good luck,

Ken