Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Warping

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Expert: - 10/4/2010


Question

Dowel alignment
I recently bought a 48" solid cherry dining table consisting two halves that open for insertion of expansion boards.  The boards don't align well with the top making installation very difficult.  The retailer claims that the top is warped and the warping is due to the shipper having shiped the table on its edge.  It is estimated that the table may have been in the truck for 10 days to two weeks.  I think it unreasonable to conclude that wood would warp so quickly and the more reasonable explanation is that the table was misaligned during maufacture.  Also, the misalignment results in one half of the table being higher than the boards at the joint, an uneven joint.
Thanks for your comments.  

Answer
Ted,

While I disagree with you about the wood not warping in such a short time, I do agree with you that the more probable cause is that the dowel holes aren't properly located. (I've seen wood warp overnight!) Mis-aligned holes are a fairly common thing, I've heard about this more than a few times.

I'm would go back to the retailer and either ask for a refund, or if that doesn't work, go back to your credit card company and file a claim/dispute.

There is a way to shave the dowels a little and get that alignment to fit a little better. But it's a PITA and something you shouldn't have to do to make this table work. It should have been right upon delivery.

I'm with you - they drilled the holes in the wrong places. If you need anything more from me, please write back and I'll try to help.
Good luck.

Jamie in Vegas

____________
Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com  

Jamie Yocono

Expertise

Woodworker, Furniture designer/builder, industrial arts educator. Bachelor degree in Furniture Design, and journeyman carpenter, with a 4 year apprenticeship. Currently owner of custom furniture/cabinet shop in Las Vegas, NV. Can answer most woodworking questions EXCEPT those regarding repairs, refinishing, and antiques.

Experience

Bachelor in Furniture Design - Ohio University (1980) Journeyman Carpenter, Local 639 Adult educator - Developed adult education woodworking program for the University of Akron, and taught classes there for 9 years. Opened a private woodworking school in Las Vegas, NV and teach private and semi-private lessons. In 2011, I will begin teaching UNLV woodworking classes at my school. Sweet!

Organizations
Furniture Society

Publications
Tile Design and Installation Magazine (Article on inlaying tile into wood)

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Union Carpenter Bachelors degree in Furniture Design (Ohio University) College of Hard Knocks!

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