My Pool Table Rail is bowed (warped)

[fatrascal]

My Rail is bowed (Warped)
Billiard Side Rail - 7 foot Meyer's table from the late 70's


U________________________________________U U= pocket
|
|_O________________O___________________O_| O= Bolt Plate



<_________________36"___________________>|


This table has 6 sections for the rails each about 36" long and 4" wide. Each connects with a pocket via an iron fixture that holds the leather and provides an anchor to other rails.

One of the sections has developed a warp from end to end that bows about 3/8 to 1/2 inch in the middle. The above reprensentation is a crude drawing but maybe you can get the picture.

It was machined from solid walnut wood which is very
hard. It has 3 bolts (represented by the 'O's) which
attach it to the table via an anchor plate. I am afraid if we tighten
to pull it down, we will pull out the anchor plate.

I am thinking of cutting kerf cuts across the rail about
3/4 to 1 inch apart to reduce the amount of wood that would
have to bend. The saw cuts would not show after the cloth is
applied and the side apron slats are attached.

Since the rail is bolted to the slate it does not need any
lateral strength therefore I would not be at risk of it breaking
except when ever it is handled while removed from the table.

So - whadda-ya-think ???? Thanks

[HayZee518]

can you remove the wooden piece and build a jig to reverse the bend? make a fire out in your back yard and use a 25 gallon empty drum filled with water about halfway with a lid. insert the wood and let it steam to soften it. then put it in your form and reverse bend it. saw kerfs might do the trick but it also weakens the wood fibers along that side.