Concerned about bow with this potential project
- This topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 2 months ago by .
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Welcome! / Forums / General Woodworking Discussions / Woodworking Methods and Techniques / Concerned about bow with this potential project
Hello, I need a new coffee table and was considering the attached design, will make it in walnut likely. The length is about 150 cm (60”), I’m a bit concerned about bow on the long sides of the table as there’s nothing pulling it straight, should I be? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks
Wood stability is dependent on internal stresses caused in the main by changes of humidity – usually resulting in movement.
That design is basically a picture frame with legs attached. It should not be a problem.
In wood you cannot eliminate movement entirely through its finished life – it will always respond to changes in humidity – though you can minimise it to a point where it is unnoticeable and not a problem.
The accepted method is to firstly shape all your wood to rough size then stack it, allowing ventilation all over, for a month or so preferably in the environment where it will be when it is finished.
Look for any changes in shape. If there are any, plane to shape and repeat. If the wood is stable there will come a time when changes in shape will be negligible. You can then make your final piece. If it will not settle down, I would suggest that you change the piece for another as it will always prove troublesome.
Finally, I would strongly urge you to use toughened glass for the top – some places have regulations about glass below stipulated heights, so check the laws where you are. In any case allow room for a little movement around the top.
In any case, it’s a good-looking piece. Good luck with it.