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Expert: - 11/3/2007


Question

chair back and damaged
Hi!
i have an older mahogany dining table whose chir backs consist of three identical pieces of veneer which has a seemingly neutral veneer or some sort of identicalyshaped filler which are glued together.
Three of ten chairs have a need of repair for these backs.
is there a place that seel this type of veneer filler /spacer and how do i unglue te tops of the chairs to be able to remove these sections.

Thanks
chris

Answer
Hi Chris
Nice to hear from you.
The chair back inserts are made of various layers of wood as you say.
I think the problem is that some of this wood has broken off from the inside pieces as the exterior pieces seem ok, thus you need some filler strips to glue in the missing areas..correct.
Chris if I had the chairs in my shop I could fix them in short order for you, so I'm telling you that any wood shop could.
There is no place I know that actually sells this, but any wood shop will have a thickness planner to make exactly the correct thickness you require.
This is not veneer you need.
The chair backs will be easy to get off...with great care and a rubber mallet.
In most cases a couple of firm taps will be all thats needed to remove the inset pieces...but...I don't think they need to be removed to make this repair, and better for the chair too if they stay on.
Chris these are lovely chairs and certainly worth getting repaired.
Get back to me if necessary.
Regards
Eileen  

Eileen 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.

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