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Question
I've purchased two identical twin beds made of solid mahogany. One of the headboards has a damaged leg as you can see in the picture. How can I make this repair without compromising the existing strength of it? Do I have to have a whole new leg fashioned? It is also right where the side rail fits in. Is there another option? It seems like it is about 1/4 of the foot damaged so most of it is still intact and in good shape. I've been told by someone that cutting the whole leg off and making a new one is my best option but then told by someone else that keeping the original leg will be best to keep it's original strength. I am not restraining the bed but will be painting it.
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Thank you for the advice!
Kaz
Hi Kaz, a long split like this could be successfully glued, but the missing wood needs to be replaced by splicing in new wood....unless you have the pieces, and I'm assuming you don't. If it can be carefully disassembled, then it's likely easier to make, or have made, a new leg.Typically, it's a crap shoot as to whether it can be disassembled, but it will take someone with experience and a little knowledge to effect such a repair.....unless you have some pretty serious woodworking "chops", this isn't a DIY project.....I would call in a Pro to evaluate it, (Restorer/Furniture maker) and they should do this for you at no charge(evaluate it).....it's a shame to paint finished Mahogany...but that's your choice......but I hope you're not contemplating that just because you want to hide this one damaged area...a good Restorer will be able to make a new leg or a suitable repair, and finish it to match the original......regards- Greg
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| Comment | Thanks so much for your help! I'll have an expert evaluate and I'll take it from there. I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly. Cheers, Karen | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Greg Scholl
Expertise
Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.
Experience
Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.
Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")
Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.
Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.
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