I need to dismantle a 40 year old chair to repair broken spindles and to refinish the chair.<!—-><!—-> <!—->
<!—-> <!—->
Any suggestions on how to break loose the glue joints without destroying the components?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I need to dismantle a 40 year old chair to repair broken spindles and to refinish the chair.<!—-><!—-> <!—->
<!—-> <!—->
Any suggestions on how to break loose the glue joints without destroying the components?
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Replies
Ron,
You can reverse the foot on a bar clamp so it functions as a spreader. In tight places, wooden hand screws can be used. Go slow and easy, and use a rubber mallet for tapping.
Have fun!
-nazard
Vinegar softens hide glue, and many of the other glues.
Heat also softens most of the glues. But, it may damage the existing finish before the glue softens.
Ron,
A sharp rap will often break loose an old joint, especially if several are already loose, it indicates that the old glue is going south. Someone has mentioned a dead-blow or rubber mallet. If that doesn't get things moving, a hammer and wood block delivers a sharper blow, and sometimes works instead. Place the block against the surface to protect it, and whack it. Make sure the blow is delivered in line with the joint you are trying to open; if delivered at an angle, the shock can shatter thin spindles or rungs.
If you can, twisting a round tenon in its socket while rapping it will break it loose more easily than simply trying to drive it apart. Once it has moved, a little back and forth twisting with pressure will usually work it apart. Don't get too "horsey" though, it's easy to wring a tenon off in its socket, trying to twist it loose. damhikt
Ray
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