Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/17/2004

Question
This rocker is 2 parts --the inner frame that had burlap and horse hair under a leather cover and the outer which is an oak rocker frame.
My question relates to the inner (covered part).  I found that the braces across the chair had been screwed with drywall screws (I intend to repalce with wood screws)which were on an angle (like a toenail) from the inside. Then I found nails driven in most of the way from the outside (protruded about 1/8").
To get ot the question -- The frame is very flexible and puting it together with wood screws will make it rigid --what was the original configuration flexible or rigid.  I think it was probably rigid, but wonder if it flexed for more comfort?
A note -- the inside (covered part) is attached to the outside by 2 brackets inside at the front and a board at the top of the back that rests on the outside part.
Hope I have made enough sense for this question to be answered -- I am not a pro and have done only a few pieces -- none like this one.
Thanks -- Maud

Answer
Hi Maud
So nice to hear from you.
I have repaired a few of these old rockers in my time, and my experience is they should be well secured so they don't flex at all.
All loose parts should be glued, and suitable screws applied "where there were screws before", you should not have to add any if its properly glued.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen