I've never tried before but Gator's method or some variant is pretty much all I can see you doing without some purpose built machine. Also seen suggested to use two pieces of glass with the record in-between in sunlight, but that seems like it might be more trouble than it's worth for a whole bunch of reasons, especially considering the other options.
Whatever you do is going to involve heat and compression. Also on the VinylFlat site they make a good point about something that you should account for which alot of people probably don't when using DIY methods.
Maybe buying some of those Groovy Rings to use would be good. Or to keep it strictly DIY you could cut up an old slipmat to size.
All that said, I'm kinda interested in the VinylFlat product. They say "use With or Without heat source" but I don't see much happening that won't be temporary without heat, and never was keen on using the oven which was the other way I heard of people de-warping at home. It's not too expensive to try without being heavily out of pocket if turns out less than ideal.
OST, good point. I reckon a good surface clean would suffice 'cause thats the only part that the Rings will contact. They won't actually compress whatever dirt is left in the grooves because it's below the surface. Theoretically, anyway. Plus they don't use alot of force when screwing the metal plate down on the wax. They don't say how heavy the plate is but I reckon the combo of force on the record and low heat wouldn't be enough to damage the recording. I'd be willing to bet it's a non-issue but if I buy one I'll be asking them about this beforehand and will post some before and after info on my results as well.
On the topic of de-warping methods, anyone know what J Rocc has here in this video at the 11:00 mark?
