I have a professional made dishwasher door that is solid zebrawood. The dimensions are about 24 by 24 and 3/4 inch thick. It was warped about 1/2. Obviously steam comes from the dishwasher when the door is opened if it has not completely cooled down. I have read where I might be able to take the warpage out by applying moisture and heat on opposite sides of the door. The door was finished on both sides.
I was thinking that I should use the table saw and cut a 1/2 slit every 3/4 of an inch vertically for the entire width. I would have to stop the cuts close to the top of the door since it is a finished edge on top but I could easily start the cuts at the bottom since it would not be visible. I would then have to take the warpage out using the above method and then finally refinish the cuts on the back of the door before reattaching it to the dishwasher.
The door warped when the dishwasher was located in the relatively dry mountains of CO. The dishwasher is now located in the very dry desert of Mexico but we are directly on the Sea of Cortez so salt is in the air. Does this make sense as a plan of action or will I just split the door or have it wrap again in a similar fashion.
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Greetings da,
As a first time poster Welcome to Breaktime.
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
94969.19
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Your plan makes as much sense as one could hope for. Some people would fill the relief slots with some sort of epoxy-like filler once the warp is removed, but that may or may not be a good idea.
Rip the door in half with the grain so you have four 3/4x6x24" pieces.Resaw the stock to a veneer and glue to 3/4" mdf or mdo substrate.Mdo would be better because it is actually made for exterior purposes.A cabinet shop may sell you a small piece.Last time I bought a 4x8 sheet it ran me $45.00.You can get it in 1/2" or 3/4". I doubt you will have problems if you veneer both sides and finish both sides.
You will lose three sawcuts plus possibly a bit more for edge planing.You could use five pieces instead of four if the width is critical.The back can be veneered with any veneer,birch,pine etc instead of the zebra wood.
Probably should have been a veneer to begin with, solid wood moves some without the added heat and humidity of a dishwasher.
mike