If you ever receive something from us that's absolutely unworkable, let us replace it for you.
The more you know about how to remove warp, cups, twist, and crook from boards, the more you'll realize that they're not as bad as they look.
First: Learning How to Fix Minor Warping Problems Is a Part of Woodworking
- Cut your project parts a few inches over size, and then flatten, rather than trying to do whole boards. It's a lot easier, and wastes less, to work with smaller pieces than larger ones.
- Most problems can be fixed with a block plane and a straight edge
- You can find thousands of how-to videos on Youtube to help you out
- Assemble as soon as is practical after cutting pieces to their final sizes
- Don't cut & finesse a piece to its final dimension and let it sit around your shop for more than a day. Once it's cut to final size, you need to get it assembled ASAP
Second: You Need to Understand Some Basics about Wood
To a large degree, flattening non-perfect wood is just a part of woodworking. This is because wood moves unpredictably and according to its environment and how it's stored.
Sometimes the movement is very subtle and manageable, other times it's severe. Kiln dried lumber minimizes problems, but doesn't eliminate them.
Wood is a hygroscopic material, which means it absorbs and releases moisture to stay in equilibrium with its environment. On a rainy or humid day, wood fibers will swell because there's more moisture in the air. And the opposite is true on a dry day. So, as wood expands and contracts, it moves. When wood expands and contracts, it can result in any kind of warping such as cupping, twisting, crooking, or bowing.
- Thin wood 1/2" and under tends to cup
- Narrow, long strips will crook and kink
- Wide boards cup and twist
Third: We'll Replace or Refund If It Won't Work For You
Do this:
- Navigate to your order on our website (go here)
- Locate the "Report a Problem" link
- Fill out the info
