First a funny & then ?

[charliex]

Thank you all for the input. I can't use my bead-lock cause it would weaking the rail. I don't have a pocket screw jig. so that's out. I'll just drill the dowel holes deeper and add the extra inside rails. I am trying construction addhesive on a test piece and will know this weekend if it will work. Should be no shrinkage and i've used it for other stuff before with good results. I'll post again if anything else comes up. Thanks again.

Small town living. The library needs some chairs repaired and again I got " volunteered". LOML is a part time library clerk. Yesterday on the front page of the local paper is library news with the details of "local woodworker (insert name) will be repairing 15 wooden library chairs". Now I'm a celebrity. All be it no richer.
Now my question. How can I best do this so that they don't fail again. I tried to find a metal corner bracket but no luck.
This is how they were put together. Pic. 1 The two dowells in the rail to the back leg only went in 1/2", The support blocks were not cut at 90 degrees so they only made contact with the rails at their heel so it's no wonder the glue broke loose.

I can trim the blocks to 90 or even make new ones. (might be eaiser) I was thinking that if I double the rails and the dowels that should help. Pic. 2. For glueing the blocks back in I was considering useing screws and construction adhesive because there is some break-out and that's a good gap filler.
Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Chas

[bigsteel15]

Yesterday on the front page of the local paper is library news with the details of "local woodworker (insert name) will be repairing 15 wooden library chairs". Now I'm a celebrity. All be it no richer.
Chas

Slow news day, eh?

I think you've got the right idea replacing the corner blocks as required.
Glue and pocket screws would be my thinking.

[drumpriest]

If a dowel has failed, take a look the bead lock system. I have one, and in general don't use it much, but it's just about perfect for repair work. If the thing is completely apart, you can make a loose tenon to put in there, a good bit stronger than just a dowel.

And as Brian said, glue and pocket screws for the corner blocks, that's also what I'd do.

[Ken Massingale]

That method of support on chairs has been used for ages and if properly done should be fine. I think you nailed it, Charlie, make new supports that are square to the rails. 1/2" of dowel into the rail isn't enough, as you said. I'm not a big advocate of over using screws, but this is a case where they are needed, I believe. A couple of screws in each end of each support and a good glue bond should work fine, IMO.
ken

[cabinetman]

You had a great idea with the inner frame. The way it restructured the frame of the chair without being visible, adds new strength. Not really a simple solution.



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