Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/warped railing

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Expert: - 11/24/2011


Question
Greg
I have a railing in my home between the front room and the entrance, I guess as a safety and accent. It is 7'x3' and a fairly hard wood.
A coyple years ago the top rail began warping up. I dont know why-humidity maybe? It was fine the previous ten years we owned the home.
The spindles were glued and I tried that-didnt work, then had to resort to screws in the top and bottom of the spindles.Didnt look too professional and there were still gaps but they held (at least my gran daughter cant fall through)
Now the top is sow bowed out it has pulled the screws out.
Is there anything I can do? It is a hassle to keep the spindles in place. I thought I would get my 300 pound budy to sit on the top rail to straighten it while I rescrewed it!
Thanks for your thoughts

Answer
Hey Bud, you'll likely need to replace it, as if the screws aren't enough to hold it, you can't force it into submission...and it's likely lack of humidity that has caused this..is it inside? After a certain point it's just better to replace this with a new piece, or perhaps even a better designed railing.....post back if need be- regards- Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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