Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Warped Table Leg

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/12/2009


Question
Hi Eileen,

Thanks for reading my question, I hope you can help me. I have a Three-Legged table made of Oak or Chestnut. One of the legs is warped. The length of the square leg is 28 inches and it tapers from about two inches to about 1 1/2 inches. The leg is warped inward approximately 1 1/2 inches off the center line.

The leg can be removed from the table, but it is one piece with the opposite leg and attached by a 4 inch wide board.

Can anything be done? Thank you and Regards, Ken.

Answer
Hi Ken
Nice to hear from you.
Yes, something can be done but not to the existing leg.
You must have a new one made.
This may sound impossible but if I had the warped leg here all I need do is scoot up the road to a neighbour who has a wood lathe. Your new leg would be back the next day.
So what I'm telling you is look around for a local wood shop. They will do this in no time.
These warps in legs (I've seen a few), happen because the wood used originally had a knot or some imperfection in it. The knot shrinks and the leg warps. It cannot be fixed.
Great Question
Regards
Eileen

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.