18-09-2016, 03:57 PM
The warp doesn't look too bad, seen a lot worse.
Animal glue is infinitely better than modern stuff as it can be removed with hot water, PVA cannot.
I would suggest repeated soaking in hot water for as long as you have the patience and then cramping and tying the cabinet back into shape with a little fresh glue once the joints will realign rather than taking it apart. If it will not go back into shape when soaked than you may have to disassemble but I would treat that as a last resort, the distortions could prevent you reassembling it without major surgery.
Ratchet straps work well if you have no sash cramps, rope with Spanish windlass also works but use some angle brackets to protect the corners in all cases. Don't have any metal in contact whilst it is still damp, it will stain.
Once back in shape you need to let it thoroughly dry whilst still clamped, and maintain a heavy weight on the joint for a long time else it will warp again.
Animal glue is infinitely better than modern stuff as it can be removed with hot water, PVA cannot.
I would suggest repeated soaking in hot water for as long as you have the patience and then cramping and tying the cabinet back into shape with a little fresh glue once the joints will realign rather than taking it apart. If it will not go back into shape when soaked than you may have to disassemble but I would treat that as a last resort, the distortions could prevent you reassembling it without major surgery.
Ratchet straps work well if you have no sash cramps, rope with Spanish windlass also works but use some angle brackets to protect the corners in all cases. Don't have any metal in contact whilst it is still damp, it will stain.
Once back in shape you need to let it thoroughly dry whilst still clamped, and maintain a heavy weight on the joint for a long time else it will warp again.
Boater Sam.
