Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

How to flatten warped mango wood tabletop slab?

AntonT
Building a Reputation

How to flatten warped mango wood tabletop slab?

1000017766.jpg

1000017764.jpg

   

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. 

1000017768.jpg

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

Hay @AntonT 

 

Look you are right on  the money   I have  same  clamps  = supercheap auto ?  lol cheapies  but good.

Those  clamps will allow you to pull the wood down  then  screw the board from underneath  I might use  6 to 8 screws each  end and along middle.

A good bead of liquid nails super strength will act as a glue and  filler  the smaller gaps at the  same time.

 

Leave set for 48 hours to  a week fo max strength  plus.

 

To  clean up any liquid nail  over flows use a  clean old rag or chux and turps and wipe it off the under slab and metal  frame where it squishes  out.

 

Dirty  rags  use another.

 

Before you glue and  screw  use your clamps as a pre trial run to listen and make sure the timber  will flex  flat  saftly .  I think you know  the signs  before  timber   snaps  We dont want that.

 

Some times it takes  gradual clamp  tightening to gradually shape wood to a new shape or  flat.  

 

Can I suggest put a   block wood under the clamp  foot on the wood plank top to spread clamp  force out.  Underneath  you  nailed it  with the frame  block to stop marks on the frame.

 

Nice work :smile:

 

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

Final phase. 

 

And so I didn't skimp on the screws and used a heap of liquid nails for

1000019001.jpg

1000019000.jpg

1000018999.jpg

1000018998.jpg

1000018997.jpg

     

the final clamping. 

 

Screws are wafer head 14g x 70mm as seen in photos.

 

Will leave clamped for a week and then see how it goes. Will add brackets if I have to. 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

Looking good @AntonT!

 

Thanks for the update.

 

Mitchell

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

Afternoon @AntonT 

:smile: Worth the effort id say :smile: That looks great. Definentlysuits your view!

 

Dave

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

Hi @AntonT 

 

 

That project looks   great  top marks for you hard  work and problem solving. Its  flatter than a pan cake  in photo.  :smile:  

 

Its  a nateral   great looking   piece of timber you  know that so if there is any slight bows  left well that adds to the nateral charm .

If you wanted 90 degree dead  flat you would  have gone DAR timber

 

If that board pops of I will eat my shirt lol by the way.

 

I suspect you beat me to the punch on my next sentence.

I dont know if you still have those liquid nail  glue dags.  But if you do  trim them with a thin  blade close to the metal should  tidy it up  a  lot.

 

Great project photos  too.

Regards   Tony

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

Thank you Tony.

 

The slight bows or imperfections are fine with me. It was the major warp that I hated. If it stays like this when the clamps go I'll be really happy with the result. 

 

To be sure I knocked on it and said "that's not going anywhere!". 

 

Yes I'll definitely tidy up the liquid nails although I doubt anyone will see them anyway. 

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

Hi @AntonT 

 

You  are 100% right no one  will notice the liquid nails ever. 

 

But you will. 

 

Just  go that tiny little bit extra so its  done.   Sorry  here I am imparting my work  ethic on your projects not  cool so feel free  to do your own  thing.

 

I guess my personal  aim is to do the best job possible within reason and that way you  can  enjoy the fruits of your works afterwards and not have any post nagging thoughts of  would-a  could-a should-a.

 

Thats a  great glue curing time by the way why rush it . The  clamps  make gluing and screwing  so much more easy.

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

I'm pleased to say it's come up really well. Clamps off and holding fin

1000019217.jpg

1000019216.jpg

1000019215.jpg

  

e. I'll use a little monument paint to cover up the liquid nails mess I couldn't get off at some point.

 

There is now just a very minor natural dip which is perfectly fine by me. 

 

Nice spot to watch the sunrise with a coffee.

 

Thanks everyone for the great advice. 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Flatten mango wood tabletop slab

It looks fantastic, @AntonT!

 

Many thanks for the update, and well done!

 

Mitchell

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects