LOML has an 'antique' dresser/cabinet' with carved panels set in rabbited doors. The doors have warped & one of the panels has split in 3 places. the door frames seem to be but-jointed. I thought about steaming the doors then pressing them flat vs disassembling them, steaming the frame pieces flat & reassembling. Any thoughts appreciated.
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If the door is a true "antique" you'll have to proceed doing the least changing and repair as possible without creating a "fixed" look.
If you can get the frame apart without damaging the joint to the point you don't have final edges (those that can be seen), would be your first step. If you are successful doing that, once the panel is out, and depending on the finish on the panel, you may not get an even saturation of steam to allow the door to flatten. But, if you have the capabilities of steaming a door of that size it may be worth a try.
Adding moisture to the door could change its properties to the point of continuing to warp in the direction taken. You will have to set it up in a compression state with either clamps and cauls, or a lot of weight over a period of time to achieve any degree of flattening. Wetting the door has the same possible repercussions as steaming. It may also get larger, and may not dry to the original size.
In any case if you are successful in getting it flat, you'll then have to glue up the cracks and clamp the door. Depending on the species of wood that may have to be done before the door has completely dried out.
If you have success with clamping up the cracks, then you'll have to retrofit the panel and possibly have to "dress" the rabbet or groove or whatever accepts the panel, and/or the panel edge, so it fits without being tight.
If you have success doing that, reinstall the panel and refit frame members, gluing only the connective frame joints.
If you have success doing that, do any touch up to the door to bring it back to its original appearance.
If you have had success in fixing the door completely, seriously consider a profession in antique repair.
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