I have a winsor type of chair that is an antique, and has several loose mortise and tendon joints, to the point that the chair wobbles when someone sits in it. I basically have two schools of thought on how to repair the joints. First and foremost is the process of injecting titebond glue into the joints and clamping them until the glue sets. If plan “A” fails, then plan “B” would be to use a solvent and dismantle the chair, clean out the old glue surfaces and then reglue and clamp.
I am brand new to furniture repair, and I’m seeking advice on the best approach, materials to be used, references, and any other experiential knowledge that you would care to share.
Thank you for your time!
Butch
Replies
Use the Advanced Search button near the top of the frame on the left and search for
chair glue loose
You will get a wealth of messages discussing the two options you listed plus a number of other ideas, and various cautions about not damaging a possibly valuable antique.
Good hunting.
Butch,
Use Hide Glue, either the hot or the readily available liquid form to do the repairs. The old chair was originally glued with hide glue and the introduction of the new hide glue will reconstitute the old glue.
If you use modern glue on the windsor chair you will distroy its value.
Stephen Shepherd
I have repaired many chairs over the years. I have tried all the different fixes that are out there. No matter what I tried, in a few months I would get the chair back to repair again. I started using a 2 part clear epoxy glue. I have not had to redo a chair that I used epoxy on.
Chris
If it's really an antique, it's probable that it was originally glued up with hide glue. You might not need to use a solvent -- I've read that hide glue can be steamed loose.
Butch
I've used a product called chair-loc with very pleasant results. You don't take anything apart, you drill a small hole down the side of the tendon inject the chair-loc with a syringe and clamp, let dry. It swells the wood permanently, I've got some dining chairs I did about 3 years ago they are still good. You can order the product from some of the WW mags about $3.50 a bottle. I found it local for $1.95.
It works for me.
God Bless
les
I'd take Uncle Dunc's suggestion a step further and say that if the chair really is an antique, don't touch it at all.
Bring it to a reputable appraiser/dealer to get advice on value and proper restoration methods. (I just want to cry every time they appraise an 18th century chest on the Antiques Road Show, and get to the line "If this had it's original finish...". Their web site might be a good starting point.)
Jeff
If you don't use epoxy,take it apart,wrap cotton thread around the tenons till you get a tight fit,and reglue.
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