The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

(I know I saw a discussion of this topic recently but I'm unable to find it.)

I have an oak base board that has a very deep curve to it, high in the center. As a result either the front of the back of the main case shows a wide gap. I'd love to flatten that base board if at all possible.

One technique:
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... or#p109247

The question to be answered is whether your board is cupped or bowed. In other words wood can warp several ways - is it bowed lengthwise or is it cupped edge to edge... You said it is higher in the middle - middle of what - length or width?

Warp directions:

It's bent upward in the center as viewed from the left to right -- i.e., the long side. Here's a photo of the left edge that shows just how deeply bent it is.

Ok, now the problem can be fixed... remove that piece and soak it in hot water - leave it an hour or two to make sure it's well soaked. Lay the board with the warp up on a level surface and place cement blocks or other heavy weight on it and leave it for several days until it dries completely - that should solve your problem. You could also use clamps to flatten it out if you have a level surface that you could clamp to.

I also do the warm water soak method but I use a big heavy cast iron vintage paper press that can open up to 1 inch max. Snug it down and let it sit for a week to dry well. You can sometimes find these at open air flea markets or decent antique shops. I bought mine in NY State to flatten out tattered Edison DD record sleeves

Interesting, Does the original finish survive this hours long warm water bath? Is the item submerged in your recommendation? I am keen to know your results. John

Ripduf1 wrote:Interesting, Does the original finish survive this hours long warm water bath? Is the item submerged in your recommendation? I am keen to know your results. John

I was curious about the same thing. I've heard some finished pieces of wood that get subjected to water in general may take on a cloudy look afterwards, much like a white water ring might look but more widespread.

Ripduf1 wrote:Interesting, Does the original finish survive this hours long warm water bath? Is the item submerged in your recommendation? I am keen to know your results. John

John, I too was thinking the same regarding a 100+ year old finish. Since hot water will cause the grain to open. Not to mention all the unrelated substances that are on the board like, old wax, dirt and ???. Would this not also stain/discolor the surface permanently as it can now leach in??.

However, I have another question since this is regarding a baseboard. Baseboards have very old rubber feet (that are rock hard) or at the very least the remnants of (tacks,etc..). If a machine is very rare and or very expensive.....would an owner want to soak the baseboard as recommended for hours in hot water..??.

There is also going to be a gap remaining due to the rubber feet or tacks. Would this gap not cause the board to crack while applying this downward pressure..??.

Some machines baseboards (like Berliner's) have a instruction papers pasted to the bottom. How will this paper hold up after hours in hot water...??.

Sometimes a collector has to decide if the risk of trying to make a 100+ year machine look perfect is worth the risk of causing irreparable damage.

I'm from the "leave it as it is" school... .