I am about to restore some old oak dining chairs, primarily by re-upholstering the seats. Before starting that I would like to tighten up a few of the mortice joints that have become a bit loose and creaky. These joints are not so loose as to be able to actually pull apart. Is there any way to inject an adhesive, perhaps through a tiny hole bored from the inside of the frame? Any other suggestions, (including websites with useful practical info') ? NB. For purposes of obtaining materials, etc, I'm in UK. Regards.
If you can pull it apart, the best route would be to take apart the joints, clean them of all existing glue and then re-glue and clamp them. Or you could check out something like Chair-lok or Chair Doctor(I can't think of the actual name) go to Lee Valley
Dear Mr. Pope: Since you indicate "old" chairs, I will assume that they are at least pre-WWII. If so they are most likely glued with hide glue, known to some folks where you are, (I understand) as Scotch glue. Using a product like Chairlok (which is a wood fibre sweller) or Chair Doctor (which is both a sweller and a glue) may not prove wholly satisfactory since a glue coating on the tenon will negate some of the benefit of using these products as they cannot swell the wood, not being able to reliably penetrate the old glue film. Neither product is reversible in the event you later have to remove it and thus may have some detrimental effect on the value of your old pieces. If you have decided not to take the frame to pieces and clean off the old glue, which is by far the best way to proceed, you can opt for the injection method, using slightly thinned fish
formatting link
or liquid hide glue (e.g. Franklins) and a syringe. Where in the UK you may access these glues, I do not know for sure, but any good cabinet maker's supplier should stock them, or at least be able to put you on to a source. Woodcraft Supply
formatting link
the US has a very nice unit (high pressure glue injector - Item #12P01) which can apply considerable pressure to inject the glue - I have used it and it works well. The ability to inject under considerable pressure is very important. VanDykes Restorers in the US
formatting link
also has this unit. You might check with Mylands in London to see if they carry it as well. The principle is somewhat like a grease gun used to force grease into the grease nipples on your car. I should add that unless you can open the joint fully, using regular hot hide glue will not be an option for the injector since the gel or set up time is quite short. If you go to your public library, they most likely have a copy of "Antique Furniture Repairs" by Charles Hayward - a classic - wherein he describes how to make your own injector as well as outlining more tips and tricks on the topic than most of us will ever need. If your chairs are more modern and use "modern" glues, new glue will not stick well to old at the best of times, and, in my opinion, the only reliable option is disassembly and removal of the old residues, then resetting in fresh glue. Remember that, whatever method you opt for, clamping the reassembled joint is a must to avoid too much flexing which will contribute to premature failure of the new joint. Good luck. Oldwood.
Thank you. That Chair Doctor stuff looks exactly what I need. I couldn't pull my chairs apart without doing damage either to other joints or to the finish. I haven't seen that type of adhesive injection kit before, but I was sure someone must have addressed the problem.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.