Warped iroko

[dur]

I am finally getting around to making a new forehatch having bought and finished an iroko plank (for the sides) over a year ago. In the intervening period the 5 x 1" section plank has gained a curve in the 5" direction (ie. if you stand the plank on edge there is a gap under the middle). This is almost certainly where it has dried out as some of the time it has been in the conservatory.

Do I chuck it outside in the damp for a while before marking / cutting or do I use it as is? I think the former but it would be just my luck if it warped in a different direction as a result. The grain is pretty straight for what its worth.

 

[ccscott49]

Iroko is an absolute swine in this respect! You cannot get it damp and expect it to come good, it wont, the only way is to plane the bend out if it's too much to plane out, then you are stuffed and will have to get another piece of timber.
Iroko is often not left long enough in large planks to season, so warps later, when it does have enough time, it also "shakes" like blazes in large planks or lumps. get another piece well seasoned.

 

[dur]

Thanks. I have more depth on the plank than I need so I think I'll try cutting it as it is. If it moves later then I will just have to rectify or start again.

 

[ccscott49]

Put it through a planer thicknesser, will do the job for you.

 

[Poignard]

Some people are allergic to Iroko, especially sawdust. If your eyes start watering and you come out in an itchy rash -you know what to suspect. One shipwright on the South Coast told me he avoided working with it because it gave him asthma!

 

[ccscott49]

Teak will do the same thing, have to be careful with it.

 

[Sequoiah1]

Unless its one of those modern myths I was always under the impression that tropical hardwood dust is carcinogenic! Always wear mask when machining or sanding.