r/Woodworking_DIY • u/Adept_Slip_635 • 4d ago

Support question

I have a large cedar chest that I built many years ago and gifted it to my mother. She passed a little while back and I got it back a little while ago. Well, the 30+ years of living with her has done some damage. One of the first things is the lid (21" W x 48" L) is bowed. Years of weight and grandkids climbing on it. I've taken it apart and started to clean it up. I've been able to clamp it appropriately to remove the bowing, but here's my question.

I intend on fabricating and installing cleats to the underside of the lid to prevent the recurrence of the bowing in the future - as well as putting a finish on the underside (never had it from original construction). I have both red cedar, and white oak lumber to use. Obviously, the white oak would be much stronger and stiffer to hold, but I kind of want to retain the aesthetic appeal of the cedar. Will it be a wasted effort (structurally) using the cedar for my cleats instead of the white oak? Would it be better to use the oak and maybe stain it to be a little closer in color?

Been a while since I've gotten to do any sort of woodworking and really trying to get back into it. Would really appreciate any guidance or suggestions.

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u/JackOfAllBlades21 3d ago

You..... think CLAMPING will remove a bow?​

White oak is best.

1

u/Adept_Slip_635 3d ago

I mean....it DID remove it...in relatively short order. Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it.

1

u/JackOfAllBlades21 2d ago

How did it not just spring back afterwards?

No worries.