I’ve been asked to repair the upholstery support for an old (antique?) chair owned by our church. Basically, the pastor thought that the jute webbing supporting the springs simply needed to be retacked. On examination, the previous repair has failed because the rails have split in several places due to having been tacked into many times over many decades. Before I replace the webbing, I need to repair and stabilize the rails (I’m not up to replacing them.)
My question: What is the best way to rebond the split rails? My first idea is to inject a basic polyvinyl glue into the splits and clamp, though I’m concerned that this will not be strong enough. I also could flow a thin epoxy into the splits and clamp. This should be stronger, but I’m worried that it will not be as nailable. Comments or other ideas?
Replies
Hi Zinfan,
I would fix a rail on the inside glue and screw it against the old one.
It is hard to see how bad the damage is, but filling the cracks up with what ever glue will not fix it.
When you want to know more show a photo of the rail.
A picture would be helpful.
Sometimes you can rout out the bad bits and glue in a new piece of hardwood. Ash holds tacks well. Oak and hickory are also good choices.
Epoxy is too hard to tack.
Either add a new sub-rail for tacks if you do not want to modify the original or remove the bad stuff and replace with new.
F.
I say remove the bad stuff and replace with new; “as unto the Lord”
If it were me I would cut a slot with a router and then glue into it a 'tacking strip'. Or if I was not in a hurry, I would use a chisel to cut the slots closer to the ends. Maybe both?... I have done many and it works....
Some time ago I did some free work for a local Church. Not my religion but who knows what God likes best? It was a old Jewish synagogue? Not sure that is the correct spelling.
Many old Parlor? chairs. Whatever that is. That is what the Rabbi called them...From the late 1900's.. My friend (a Jew) did the new webbing and upholstery.... I think real Mahogany for the old chairs but I used strips of African Mahogany I had from long past project.. Looked almost the same but hidden away anyway!
As a note.. Most if not all of the original tacks were still useable! OK, so a bit if straightening....
It was fun work.. I love that Jewish dark blue wine served....
Is the purpose of the repair to restore the integrity of the rails, or just provide a foundation to tack the upholstery to?
If you are only trying to provide a tack surface I have had very good results using hot hide glue and strips of canvas (or other heavy cloth). Here's how I do it: first clean the old surface of all previously used tacks, nails, staples, etc; then clean the wood with a stiff brush and warm water; let the wood dry thoroughly; brush on a good wet coat of hot hide glue and immediately press on a stip of cloth large enough to cover the area to be repaired; press down the cloth with your fingers until it is fully impregnated with the glue and then brush on another coat of glue over the cloth. Let this dry and then repeat with another layer of glue/clooth/glue if space permits.
I think you will be amazed at how well this will hold tacks. In addition, it will strenghten the wood somewhat, but, of course, not as much as some previous suggestions to add new wood.
furndr
Sound like less work but not sure... And then again, just thin strip of wood glued on with a rounded wdge may be OK...
Zin,
I believe that you will be pleasnatly surprised by how strong simply gluing and clamping the tack-damaged wood will be. Like furndr, I prefer hot hide glue, but you could use pva as well. Be sure and work the glue well down into the splits, the hot hide glue flows very well just by flooding the areas and repeating til they are saturated. Pva glue you will have to work in with your fingertips. Then clamp by laying a strip of plastic (trashbag or saran wrap) over the area, then something like a strip of 1/4" plywood (if the apron is curved) or a heavy caul (if the apron is straight). Clamp well, pulling the splits up tightly.
An upholsterer nowadays will often use an air nailer or stapler in lieu of tacks in re-fastening the webbing and fabric. These fasteners hold better and do less damage to the aprons than upholsterer's tacks.
Ray
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