Flattening an old saute pan

[KLF]

We have a bunch of big (15") commercial-grade aluminum saute pans in the kitchen here at school, they're kinda old but nicely seasoned and work great. But, the problem with them is they are no longer flat on the bottom, several have a sizable "dimple" in the bottom that is ~6" across and 1/4-3/8" deep. Makes it a real pain to use, as it won't sit level on the stove (rocks back and forth), and all the liquid runs toward the center. Food around the perimeter of the pan burns and sticks.

Any suggestions on how to get these things back nice and flat? Other than just banging the crap out of them with a BFH? I have a press, lots of wood cribbage, torches, etc.

I know all about stretching metal, but how do you get it to shrink?

 

[e9999]

shrinkage would not be easy but maybe you could get it to invert easily and be concave instead of convex? would be better already...? although you might have sticking in the middle then, but at least no more rocking.

or, less permanent, for the rocking bit , a ring would probably do, no?

 

[ToyotaDon]

Hit up Baleigh INC. https://forum.ih8mud.com/member.php?u=40557

http://metal.baileighindustrial.com/metalworking/metal-forming-and-shaping/shrinker-stretchers

 

[zebrabeefj40]

In the fab shop I would be heating the outside bottom with a torch until good'n'hot. Then apply a damp rag to the inside where I wanted to pull the dent. As the inside surface of the metal is cooled quickly it shrinks. Since the pots are already damaged you can try one and see how it goes. If it doesn't work well enough then you're not out much other than some time.

Good luck!
Nick

 

[merryweather]

What about heating the pan up, flipping it over, and using a block of wood and a hammer to pound down the bottom?

 

[KLF]

I ended up putting some wood blocks inside and setting it in the press, got it pretty flat. Finished it up with some strategic hammering with a plastic faced hammer. I'll do the same for the others.