Posted by licker88 on 11/26/14 - 7:29 AM
#1
I have a 1986 Standard 13ft Whaler. I am in the process of refinishing the wood seats, the seats are cupped from previous owners neglect, should I refinish and flip the seat over and let nature return it to a close to flat position OR just re-install them the way they were. Thanks Licker88
Posted by Tom C2 on 11/26/14 - 12:59 PM
#2
I have just refinished the wood in a 15 SS and had the same problem. I chose to refinish the cupped board with the cup up as it was the better side. I probably should have taken it to a wood working shop and have them plane the board flat. You might want to look into that. Good luck Tom 1988 15 SS 60 Johnson
Posted by gchuba on 11/26/14 - 2:33 PM
#3
Try looking at the end grain of the wood. Cupping aside, if you do not have vertical grain wood, the core side (center of the tree side) should be down. You can rip cuts on the underside (strong 1/8th inch;3/16th inch) lengthwise an inch or so on center to help stabilize the plank. Also, if you have the time and space, you can sticker the wood on a dead level surface and sticker heavier planks on top and let gravity work for a little while. The further away from a center grain and the closer to vertical, the more stable the wood. A common spec/request I make is "free of core". I would take a blemished plank with a tight knot vertical grain over a knot free center core plank any day of the week.
Also, when attaching pre drill (prevent splitting) really screw/bolt the outer ends down. The sun is cruel on long wide planks.
Garris
Edited by gchuba on 11/26/14 - 2:37 PM