Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/rocking chair repair

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Expert: - 9/22/2007


Question
Hi Eileen,
I just bought an old spinle back rocking chair. One of the spindles is broken lengthwise as if someone pushed back on the spindle too hard. The spindle does not show through the bottom of the seat--there is not a hole in the seat where the spindle is glued into. It is a very thin spindle. I don't know if I should glue and clamp it or try to replace it. I would like to try to replace it if I could before I refinish the entire chair.
Thanks,
Jean

Answer
Hi Jean
Nice to hear from you.
Jean it will depend on how you are going to use the chair.
If it will get lots of use, I would replace the spindle.
If the chair is only going to look pretty, then glue is ok.
This will also be an easy repair if the spindle does not fit in a top hole and a botton one too.
Also consider if you can match the wood and size if you replace.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

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I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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