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Advice on my recent find

I was recently given a gift by the woodworking gods. I have two 12' long by 26" wide by 3/4" mahogany planks that were given to me by a good friend. They are 30 years old and have beautiful figure. I immediately thought table top. The problem is that after sitting untouched for so long in an attic, they have cupped horribly. I planned a 32" section flat and was left with only 9/16" of thickness. I have contemplated sawing them into smaller widths, planning them flat, and glueing them back to width. Lots of work. I also thought of trying to steam them and make a flat form. Does anyone have any other suggestions or invites as to what to do with my most precious boards?

Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking

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Site AdminPermalink Reply by John Moody on February 22, 2012 at 2:28pm

My first thought as I started reading was the same as you came up with. I would cut them into smaller strips, plane them and glue them back together keeping them in order.

John Moody
Site Administrator

John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

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Site HostPermalink Reply by Ron Dudelston on February 22, 2012 at 6:46pm

Adam if you have access to a steamer big enough then I'd steam 'em and clamp them flat. Maybe with a little luck you can straighten them a bit. Nice find though.

Ron Dudelston
Above and Beyond WoodWorks

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Master CarpenterPermalink Reply by Mike Dillen on February 22, 2012 at 8:15pm

Rip the board into sections, joint the edges and edge join and then plane and you'll still have a great looking table top.

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Master CarpenterPermalink Reply by Wayne Mahler on February 23, 2012 at 3:31pm

If you have access to a steamer I would try that first. Then take the remaining pieces and cut them, re glue and plane. I would think this would minimize the amount removed to get them back to straight, then go to work on your table. Great find and gift to receive. Keep us posted please.

Wayne Mahler
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