The chair back consists of six turned rails supporting a flatter piece at the top. The round ends of the rails fit into a round hole in the back piece at the top and a similar hole in the seat at the bottom. There's a picture of one like it at -
Help me fix a chair... please?
First reply
Sorry, I don't follow your explanation. I think of a rail as a horizontal member, and a spindle as a vertical dowel. Anyway, to replace a spindle, drill a deeper hole in the top rail and a shallower one in the seat such that the spindle slips into the rail hole enough such that…
Read the full replyInformation here may be outdated?
Thanks - I was struggling to make myself clear but you have the gist.
I was thinking of repairing the broken spindle rather than turning a new one, no lathe for a start. I guess I coudl take it all out, rebuild and insert as you suggest.
I used some threaded rod with nuts & washers to spread a couple of pieces with holes drilled in the end for the rod. Worked slowly using hot vinegar dripped around the spindles to soften the glue. Worked better than expected. Take a spindle somewhere for duplication and reassemble.
Thanks - I'll go for it...
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required