Warped oak

[johnpmc35]

Hi, looking for help/advice on how to deal with some oak that has warped and is now impossible to get a good join, as shown in the photos. The first photo is how it looked in the workshop and the rest are how it looks now it's in my warm house.

Is there a way to get a nice join on this, now it has warped? Obviously want to avoid using screws if at all possible but have had no luck in finding a resolution, after having contacted a number of local joiners.

 

[Koolpc]

Put a match to it...

 

[Odds]

Attach G-clamps to the wood then take it in sauna.
I'm sure they won't mind.

 

[chirpychippy]

Ive not tried this but could you sash clamp the joint back together then instal hardwood bows at the 45 degree where it has pulled apart.

Maybe use Iroko or Maple for the bows, make it a feature, you could also reinforce the joint from underneath.

 

[Munroast]

too ambitious a join for natural wood of such width - make a join where that movement won't be so noticeable.

 

[James Carmichael]

It can be done but is not easy. Copied and pasted from my favourite furniture making book:

Method: Thermal Rebind with Compression Dowels​

Step 1: Controlled Humidity Rebalance​

• Place the warped oak piece in a sealed chamber (or a large plastic bag) with a humidity stabilizer (e.g., damp towels and silica packs).
• Alternate between 60% and 30% humidity cycles over 24 hours to relax internal stresses in the wood fibers.

Step 2: Thermal Rebind​

• Warm the joint area gently using a low-temperature heat pad (around 45°C) for 2–3 hours.
• This softens lignin bonds slightly, making the wood more pliable without scorching.

Step 3: Compression Dowels​

• Drill shallow pilot holes across the joint line.
• Insert compression dowels coated with a flexible resin adhesive.
• As the dowels absorb moisture, they expand slightly, pulling the joint tight and compensating for minor warp.

Step 4: Resin Lock​

• Apply a thin bead of elastic resin adhesive along the seam before clamping.
• Clamp for 48 hours under moderate pressure to allow the resin to cure and the dowels to stabilize.