Antique Oak Drop Side Gate Leg Table

Hi all, found this on the curb. It’s rough. It seems almost domed,and drop sides when up continue that slope angle, don’t know if it’s warped or what. Gate legs when they come to what should be their norm sitting make the table not sit level. Anyways, here are some pics, including only marks on bottom. Any ideas/thoughts/help is appreciated! Jamo

Gate Leg Table by Jamo posted Dec 12, 2018 at 6:41 PM

 

Additional pics:

Domed Oak Drop Side Gate Leg by Jamo posted Dec 12, 2018 at 6:36 PM

Maker’s Mark/I.D. Gateleg Table by Jamo posted Dec 12, 2018 at 6:47 PM

 

Warped - which is why it was at the curb.

 

I phrased that wrong, apologies. It’s clear it’s warped but I do think the main part is naturally domed which I can’t find examples of. So didn’t know if that could point me in the right direction. I understand the curb thing, but people throw away some crazy stuff around here daily. Found this last week, has a small shot to a corner, otherwise clean, on 1stdibs for 1500...

 

Of course, a picture helps...

Lane AltaVista Walnut Coffee Table by Jamo posted Dec 12, 2018 at 7:15 PM

 

Lane AltaVista Walnut Coffee Table by Jamo posted Dec 12, 2018 at 7:15 PM

 

"naturally domed" ????? What would be the point of making a table intended for use at meals with a slope away from center, that continues into the two leaves?

 

Those pictures don't illustrate anything to me. I'm confused. What are we supposed to see there?

Ah, now I get it - yes people will throw quite usable stuff to the curb and Gawd only knows why. But back to your unusable warped table. Unless you're an experienced furniture repair guy (and if you are) I don't think there's a whole lot you could do to make that usable again without major wood replacement.

I wonder what @verybrad would suggest.

 

Yeah, I am trying my best. I have one more pic, still doesn’t really illustrate what I am trying to say. Maybe the whole thing is warped and shot. When I took these pics, it wasn’t really for this forum, believe it or not. I get that a domed table is counterintuitive for tea parties. The middle section, if warped, has just done so in a very even and beautiful way.

Additional pic- Gate Leg by Jamo posted Dec 12, 2018 at 7:29 PM

 

But this one clearly shows the space where the boards of the top have lifted off the frame.

I have a mahogany gateleg table in my dining room. Bought it at auction back in the 80's. The top is level and the leaves also line up with the center and are properly supported by the gatelegs. I don't know what wood yours is constructed of, but I suspect it spent a long time in damp and unheated conditions - somebody's barn or basement - and that's what ruined it. JMHO

 

Another possible weakness on your table is that the center of the top is made of 5 separate boards. I just checked mine - and there's only 1 board to the center. So the warping conditions had more weak points to work with. ?

Believe me, they never made these tables with an intent to be domed.

 

Yeah, agreed. Thanks for your feedback.

 

It was probably on a porch in wind and rain for many years, until it was finally kicked to the curb.
If you want to use it, it will need a new top and a lot of tlc.

 

Or...one could soak the top wood with water, add a piece of plastic, and cover with HEAVY books. Repeat as needed til done. (Like basting a roast)

Yes, it works.

Really!

 

Yep … water damaged/warped. Circa 1940, I would think. could attempt to straighten but doubt the results would be all that satisfactory. May end up splitting apart the boards.

 

If you can remove the warped board from the legs, try setting it on a slightly damp lawn, curved side up (concave). The natural humidity will straighten it out. Then quickly re-attach it to the frame, and keep it in a steady controlled environment. Can't guarantee it will stay but this magic method has worked for me for years!

 

Hi,
Darkwing's hint is one that I have used for years. If it is finished one side remove the finish. It will work better if no finish is on the boards. When it has "flattened" out either refinish BOTH SIDES or really give it a good waxing again on both sides.
greg

 

It's amazing that there are ways to fix something like this -- to flatten the warped boards. Will try to remember this info if it's ever needed here.

 

have used that method myself. It works well with woods like walnut and cherry, not so well on oak. Oak seems to split.

 

Hi Iowa Jayhawk,
I usually soak the oak in water for a day before I start. It seems to help for some reason. I had one maple top that never ever worked even with soaking.just lifted up on one side and sagged on the other. Must of tried it over a year.
greg