Discoloured, warped, slightly cracked table.

[tandata]

Hey all, I joined up for my first project which has nothing to do with this, but this is all I can do for now until I can afford to make my computer desk.

I have an extending table here that I want to use as a dining table when I move out and begin renting, but before then I would like to get it back in order without making it any worse than it already is.

First off, the top of the table is discoloured compared to the sides which extend out.

http://members.optushome.com.au/randomings/table/P2033278.jpg

Then there's the problem of the centre piece being warped.

http://members.optushome.com.au/randomings/table/P2033279.jpg

http://members.optushome.com.au/randomings/table/P2033280.jpg

And the last problem exists in the turned part coming apart slightly in the joins.

http://members.optushome.com.au/randomings/table/P2033282.jpg

Any suggestions would be appreciated, as well as any information you can give on when the table may have been made, and the type of timbers used.

Thanks for your time,
Hayden.

[tandata]

I've been looking at the table top, and I can't work anything out (probably because I know nada about woodworking).

I can't tell if it's veneered on the top and bottom, or if the entire thing is a composite lamination. I was looking at the bottom side of the table and there is a part that has chipped away, showing that the grain runs perpendicular to what the top and bottom and sides of the tabletop suggests. What is going on here?

[Horsecroft88]

I would hazard a guess, and that is all it is, that in fact the table is not laminated and from the grain appears to be made from oak (ie. English or possibly American, I doubt French given the legs).

As to why the top has warped, I can only assume it has got too hot (ie. exposed to sunlight, perhaps it was too close to a window over quite some time). That would also account for the lighter (bleached out) colour, in comparison to the darker colour of the extension.

How to unwarp the top is possibly difficult to suggest, but perhaps some more knowledgeable people might have some ideas. As to how to re-colour it, that is not difficult, as the main table top will need to be stripped back and re-polished (ie. French polished). As to the legs you could glue and clamp them, but I really wouldn't be too worried unless the legs are loose.

[mcjimmyd]

Yes oak and english, not sure on the warp but you need to strip it all in order to match the color