How to repair this chair
- Thread starter Kidneycutter
- Start date
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If the top section is doweled in, you'll need to cut flush, drill and install a new one.
Hardest part is lining up any ragged sections. But looking at it i think those are quite clean and its only the dowel has snapped. - Is it a central dowel. Its hard to actually see properly
The left side joint just looks a simple glue up. and modern glues will likely give a stronger bond.
This is the result of people trying to lift the chair by its back. instead of lifting it properly.
Hardest part is lining up any ragged sections. But looking at it i think those are quite clean and its only the dowel has snapped. - Is it a central dowel. Its hard to actually see properly
The left side joint just looks a simple glue up. and modern glues will likely give a stronger bond.
This is the result of people trying to lift the chair by its back. instead of lifting it properly.
Kidneycutter
Established Member
Hi, I’ve had a closer look and there seem to be some interesting joints the same on both sides. Whether this is a repair I don’t know. I think I coul be original because the rake angle is quite big on the back. Joint is not that clean either.
It’s a tenon not a dowel in the top.
It’s a tenon not a dowel in the top.
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Jacob
What goes around comes around.
Looks like a bodge from new. Impossible joints to keep tight with glue.
I'd look at steel mending plates to bridge the joints. Can be done carefully - set in and even shaped. Given time wear and rust makes them less visible.
It’s always difficult to advise without having the item in front of you . But from what I can see - I feel they are original joints from the start . It’s going to take a fair bit of time and effort - and you need to think about is the effort worth it? If so - I would make sure the repair is really substantial- because of the stress it will be under. That would be my priority- then depending on your skills - colour match the repair using standard methods ( French polish - pigments ) Good luck with your repair .
Jacob
What goes around comes around.
LEAVE THIS FORUM NOW.
No seriously - I've seen lots of old stuff carefully repaired with blacksmith-made brackets as carefully done as orthopaedic surgery; shaped, contoured, hardly noticeable. Unavoidable once a structure is past a certain point, if it's worth it.
A highly respectable tradition - along with the plain mending plates/brackets you can still buy in Wilco's, B&Q etc.
Here's one simple variety on a windsor chair, probably off the blacksmith's shelf, but I've seen others beautifully made to fit. Must dig out the snaps.
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No seriously - I've seen lots of old stuff carefully repaired with blacksmith-made brackets as carefully done as orthopaedic surgery; shaped, contoured, hardly noticeable. Unavoidable once a structure is past a certain point, if it's worth it.
A highly respectable tradition - along with the plain mending plates/brackets you can still buy in Wilco's, B&Q etc.
Here's one simple variety on a windsor chair, probably off the blacksmith's shelf, but I've seen others beautifully made to fit. Must dig out the snaps.
View attachment 129481View attachment 129482
Isnt that a coat hook?
skeetstar
Established Member
Actually that reinforcing looks good and is in keeping with the chair.
Jacob
What goes around comes around.
No it was purpose made wrought iron, threaded nut at one end under the seat and CS holes on the flat. It was a rescued pair but I put one on each chair - probably added 30 years to the life of two battered old chairs!Isnt that a coat hook?
Keep meaning to ask a blacksmith for a few more. Could have them straight, to be bent to fit, with aid of a little heat.
So the black smith used a coat hookIsnt that a coat hook?
