sreilly24590 Posted March 11, 2019 Report Posted March 11, 2019 Sorry as I seemed to redirect from the original posting. This chair is actual an old children's rocking chair dated 1912 that was given to my Mother-in-Law as a yound child. My wife now has this chair and from the first time I remember seeing it the seat has been cracked. Further investigation shows the crack in probably the worst location as it goes through where the back post is attached. So from the attached pictures you can see the extent of the crack and it seems I would need to remove at least two of the screws on the bottom plate holding the bottom together, glue the crack and then clamp and screw it back down? Or is it maybe better to use a filler and try to match the finish? Maybe both? Add some filler with the glue? I've never attempted to repair this old a piece of furniture and being a family piece I'd really rather not mess it up. Just saying, the wife wouldn't say anything but I'd be highly disappointed in myself if I caused more harm than good. Her parents were very much family to me as well and they are both gone now. Quote
Stick486 Posted March 11, 2019 Report Posted March 11, 2019 that split has been repaired before I believe... remove the purlin... spread the split a fuzz... clean out the old glue the best you can w/ a flat blade riffler... glue, clamp and reinstall the purlin.. suggest you use weldbond for glue and not TB... sreilly24590, lew, FlGatorwood and 1 other 4 Quote
HandyDan Posted March 11, 2019 Report Posted March 11, 2019 That is a beautiful chair and the crack adds character. I would remove the added brace piece from the bottom and inspect the crack. I may be wrong but it appears the seat and other parts of the chair have been antiqued (aka: painted with some antiquing paint). With the brace removed inspect the crack to see if it is can be cleaned enough to be glued. If not I would clean it up as best you can and glue and clamp it together using pocket hole technology and then remount the brace or better yet make a new larger brace. Quote
p_toad Posted March 11, 2019 Report Posted March 11, 2019 Is the cross support piece original to the chair? There appear to be nine screws though it into the bottom of the seat with 3 on the "split" side. I agree with removing it and trying to marginally open that split and clean it well of all old dirt, debris, and glue residue. If you can get it cleaned to the point where a couple of clamps under moderate pressure can pull it closed with no glue, then you are probably ready to unclamp, reglue, and then clamp the heck out of it. If you really, really want that brace back on; drill new holes in the split side and snug your screws into place. Dadio and FlGatorwood 2 Quote
Stick486 Posted March 12, 2019 Report Posted March 12, 2019 1 hour ago, p_toad said: If you really, really want that brace back on; drill new holes in the split side and snug your screws into place. but don't glue the brace into place... Grandpadave52 and FlGatorwood 2 Quote
Popular Post kmealy Posted March 12, 2019 Popular Post Report Posted March 12, 2019 the cross-brace has inhibited seasonal grain movement. The seat is moving left and right, the brace won't let it. The probable cause of the crack. Agree with cleaning the joint and re-gluing. If you're up to it add a {dutchman, viking, bowtie, whatever you want to call it} on the bottom Stick486, Grandpadave52, Gunny and 2 others 5 Quote
FlGatorwood Posted March 12, 2019 Report Posted March 12, 2019 Stick, just for those who look at this thread in the future, please explain your reasoning for weld glue vice Titebond. I, too, would like to know. Thank you. Quote
Stick486 Posted March 12, 2019 Report Posted March 12, 2019 15 minutes ago, FlGatorwood said: Stick, just for those who look at this thread in the future, please explain your reasoning for weld glue vice Titebond. I, too, would like to know. Thank you. I think it's a better adhesive... stronger and has a longer open time... Gene Howe and FlGatorwood 2 Quote
Gene Howe Posted March 12, 2019 Report Posted March 12, 2019 Never tried Weld Bond. But, because I trust your judgment, I will, now. Artie, Cal and Stick486 2 1 Quote
Gunny Posted March 13, 2019 Report Posted March 13, 2019 21 hours ago, Stick486 said: I think it's a better adhesive... Well the Tri Lube you told me about has worked well, so I am going with Weld Bond and see how it works. Cal and Stick486 1 1 Quote
Stick486 Posted March 13, 2019 Report Posted March 13, 2019 3 hours ago, Woodbutcherbynight said: Well the Tri Lube be careful w/ that stuff... if you think you haven't used enough you have probably used waaaaaay too much.... Cal 1 Quote
Stick486 Posted March 13, 2019 Report Posted March 13, 2019 14 hours ago, Gene Howe said: Never tried Weld Bond. But, because I trust your judgment, I will, now. thanks for the leap of faith.... Weldbond Specifications & Instructions.pdf p_toad and Cal 2 Quote
Cal Posted March 13, 2019 Report Posted March 13, 2019 (edited) At Stick's earlier recommendations I have been using Weldbond for my last few projects. Cannot provide any long term benefits yet, but when the two smaller bottles run out the local Ace got me a larger bottle last time I needed some. I do like that it goes on white and dries clear. My first project with it was the guitar case I helped my nephew with a few months back. Weldbond was suggested as it would not soften in high heat conditions. A guitar case sitting in a hot car during the summer is kinda-sorta subject to high heat... Edited March 13, 2019 by Cal Gene Howe and Stick486 2 Quote
Gene Howe Posted March 13, 2019 Report Posted March 13, 2019 Thanks for the PDF, Stick. Weld bond looks like something good to have around. Next time I'm in Ace, by golly. Quote
HandyDan Posted March 13, 2019 Report Posted March 13, 2019 I need to try the Weldbond on pen tubes. It's a pain to mix epoxy for this job. Quote
Dadio Posted March 13, 2019 Report Posted March 13, 2019 I have always used TBII and never had a fail, so will keep on using it, why ride another horse? Herb Gene Howe 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.