Out of shape middle section.


 

Alan Keen

New member
Hi folks
I've seen a number of posts about reshaping the middle section of a WSM but the generally accepted methods seem to have some risk to them. My large WSM was blown over by the gales in the winter and put out of shape quite a bit. Before I start squashing it back into shape I thought I would ask if anyone has had success with putting a rope around the middle section and twisting it tight like a tourniquet? In THEORY that should bend it back to a perfect circle. Shouldn't it?
 
I'm not a physics expert but I've wondered myself if your approach would work, though I thought in terms of using a ratcheted tie down strap. We'll see what the experts say.

Good luck!
 
I'll be curious to see how this works. My sense is that you have to overbend the piece a bit so that it springs back to the shape you're looking for, if that makes any sense. Not sure if a rope or strap will allow that to happen. But please post your results and how you achieved them, with a photo if possible. Good luck!
 
I used a small block of 1x4 over the worst bend.( for more leverage) Drew a circle on a piece of plywood using the charcoal bowl.
Started to ratchet the mid section using the circle as a guide. Once it got back into shape I gave it one more crank.
It held it's shape on mine but it's trial and error depending on how bad it is.
 
I used a small block of 1x4 over the worst bend.( for more leverage) Drew a circle on a piece of plywood using the charcoal bowl.
Started to ratchet the mid section using the circle as a guide. Once it got back into shape I gave it one more crank.
It held it's shape on mine but it's trial and error depending on how bad it is.
Now we're talkin'. That makes sense to me.
 
These things are easily knocked out of round.....and easily back into shape... Drop lid will make it out of round, i just knock it back in ahape with a bang on deck post....or even heel of hand. Just take the wide spot that doesn't fit and bang right there with a block of wood. You'd be surprised how little it takes to reshape it
 
Some before and after ratchet strap treatment. I'd say 80% better. I'm leaving the strap on overnight to see if it improves more.

Cheers 😃
 

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