Posted by Mark Davis on Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at 6:22PM :
In Reply to: Straightening the top rails on FF bed side panels?? posted by EdC on Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at 2:49PM :
Ed,
I am considering different ways of doing the same thing.
Being a woodworker, I often try to figure out how I can use my tools and wood to fix projects like this.
This is just an idea. I am assuming that your rails are pushed out away from the bed.
I was thinking of using an 8' long wood board on edge. ie, at least a 2x8 and maybe a 2x10. Figure a way of clamping the board on the top of the bed side so the edge of the board is contacting the bed on the inside of the cupped rail. Or put the board on legs so the edge sits at the rail hieght. The legs will sit on the bed floor. Like making a crude bench.
Shape some blocks, at least 2' long, and or 1 long block about 7' long. Shape the blocks so that they contour to the round top rail. Start tightening the clamps and use heat as you need it.
The blocks are to spread out the clamping pressure so the top rail does not get crushed. This may eliminate the need to slide in a smaller diameter pipe thru the rail.
Since metal has a memory, there will be spring back. You may have to push the metal a little bid past the line so that it springs back to the line.
I hope this makes sense. It does in my mind.
Mark