Warping problem

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Jan.vanderlinden
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Warping problem

Post by Jan.vanderlinden »

Looking for some advise.
Here is the problem.
Every time I carve a plaque, the wood warps as soon as I release the clamps from the machine bed.
I currently have a 3D plaque that I made that warped.
I set it up between two supports and put a 50lb. Weight on it for a couple of days.
It does in fact flatten back out, but after a few more days, it is warped again.
While I realize that when you cut something, you are also releasing stresses.
What do others on here do to either prevent it or straighten the project back out after carving?
Here is an example of one that I just cut yesterday.
20190917_143028.jpg
20190917_143032.jpg
20190917_143043.jpg
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“I've learned so much from my mistakes, I'm thinking of making a few more”

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highpockets
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Re: Warping problem

Post by highpockets »

Before carving the front carve a couple of slots in the backside and epoxy in steel rods.
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dealguy11
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Re: Warping problem

Post by dealguy11 »

Or just try hollowing out the back a bit before carving. It might even out the stresses and reduce the warping.
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TReischl
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Re: Warping problem

Post by TReischl »

Two things.

First if the carving itself is a dish shape then all you need to do is flip the piece over and flatten the back. Yes, the edges will vary a little bit but only us wood worker types study that sort of thing, everyone else just looks at the carving.

Second if the carving has a flat background you can still flatten the back side,

I do not do a lot of woody looking carvings so I like to glue up strips which really helps with this problem.
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Jan.vanderlinden
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Re: Warping problem

Post by Jan.vanderlinden »

Thank you for the feedback.
I've heard that red oak is notorious for warping.
And yes, I should maybe look at some glue up work.
Although, Highpockets has the best idea... :roll:
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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Warping problem

Post by Rcnewcomb »

This thread from 10 years ago may be of interest: Warped Panel After Carving
- Randall Newcomb
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adze_cnc
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Re: Warping problem

Post by adze_cnc »

You could try using quarter-sawn wood instead of rift-sawn.

Jan.vanderlinden
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Re: Warping problem

Post by Jan.vanderlinden »

Excellent read Randy.
Thank you.
“I've learned so much from my mistakes, I'm thinking of making a few more”

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