Replies

1. 
   Dan | Aug 05, 2005 06:23am | #1

   Aloha,

   You didn't say if the top is one piece, but I'm assuming it is, doesn't make much difference.  Once the board has reached equilibrium moisture content, which could take a couple months, it will not cup or straighten out more provided that as the relative humidity changes each side of the piece gets equal access to the air.  I am guessing that when you took your trip, the board was lying flat on your bench and one side picked up more moisture than the other.  I would store it on edge in the room that it will be in after the table is completed.  Keep an eye on it and when it seems to stabilize take it to your shop and work quickly.  Just kidding.  Sounds like a pretty unstable piece of wood so  important thing is to minimize the amount of moisture it can pick up or give out until you have it completed.   Wrap it in plastic or take it back into the room. When it comes to finishing, it will be very important to finish both sides the same and to use a finish that will slow down moisture penetration.

   By the way you said Auk wood, did you mean Oak?  Or is that how it's pronounced down there in Louisiana?

   Mistakes are but an opportunity for fresh design!
1. 
   FitandCut | Aug 05, 2005 11:10pm | #2

   Sorry about that!  The spell checker changed "Paduk" to "Auk" and I didn't catch it before sending the message.

2. 
   JohnWW | Aug 05, 2005 11:57pm | #3

   It sounds like you have a flatsawn wood and it is doing what all wood does, moving as it gains and loses moisture. 

   Finishing will make the wood less sensitive to short term changes in humidity, but it won't stop the wood from moving in response to seasonal changes, and that will go on forever.  Wood choice and classic furniture construction details can minimize the movement without risking cracking and joint failure.

   Bruce Hoadley's book "Understanding Wood" is the classic reference for learning what causes wood movement and how to deal with it, I highly recommend it.

   John W.

1. 
   FitandCut | Aug 06, 2005 10:36pm | #6

   Thanks, John.  I'll read the book.  I wanted quarter sawn, but that isn't what I got.  It is rif (?) sawn, but it is close to quarter sawn.  You are probably on the money with your answer.

3. 
   Ricks503 | Aug 06, 2005 07:19pm | #4

   Another question.  When you planed it, did you plane it on both top and bottom? If you only did one side, that can sometimes cause warping and cupping.  You should remove equal amounts of wood from both the top and the bottom.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
1. 
   FitandCut | Aug 06, 2005 10:31pm | #5

   I did plane both side.  I don't know that I remove equal amounts though.