AboutEileen Cronk Expertise I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc.
I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.
Experience I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.
Question Hello....I have a vintage solid oak bench from the early 1900's. Out of necessity, it was in storage for about a year. The seat is comprised of 2 pieces of oak that were set together....glued possibly, but not nailed, dovetailed, etc. When in storage, one piece of oak has bowed a little and there is now a split in the seat which is rather unsightly. One piece of oak sits higher than the other, causing the split. How would you recommend, if possible, repairing the seat so that the two pieces of wood are less noticeable and back together? Thanks in advance....
Answer Hi Jason
Nice to hear from you.
What a shame this has happened.
Not only has the wood cracked but one board has warped also.
The seat must come off to be repaired.
Without seeing this bench, it could be easy to remove or involve a bit of work. But it must come off.
Simply forcing some glue in the split and clamping the seat is worth a try first but its not likely to hold.
The boards will need to be seperated and put back together using biscuits.
It could also involve running the split edge through a jointer to straighten the edge.
Jason this is an easy fix for a wood shop if you don't have the skills or tools.
Regards
Eileen
