Update on my "found" wooden rocking chair | ||
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Posted 11 years ago
driggs63
(38 items)
I've had this a few weeks now, and it's really looking good! I still don't know how I'm going to replace the spindles, but I'll figure it out! It really is a gorgeous chair. I still can't believe someone was going to throw it out!
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There is only one way to reproduce and replace them and it isn't easy. I would suggest finding an old timer who is retired or does work for a local historical society. The color match is equally as important as reproducing the part and fitting it without causing more damage.
Shoot... I was hoping I could maybe make them myself if I got the right tools.... well, it may have to go in my house without the missing spindles for now.
Take my word for this, it isn't a task you can run out and buy a few tools and get it done yourself. Buying the tools is easy enough but you need to know how to use them. How often do you run a lathe? Do you know how the chair was put together? If you don't know how it was put together you don't know how to take it apart. Taking it down is required to do the replacement. If you "assume" they are glue joints and they are actually blind pegged you will ruin it getting it apart. The chair doesn't look old enough to be pegged but it is something you need to think about in advance. It appears to just have a single screw in each arm and glue joints. Once you take that screw out.....will it ever bite again? Do you know how to peg it and leave the screw out? Refitting and/or restoring a piece is expensive for a reason. You should keep it as is and research it then weigh the cost of restoration against the value of the chair. My two cents.
I am new to woodworking/refurbishing/etc. I just know I love everything about wood. I took this because it looked like a fun project, and it was being given away on the curb. Someday, I hope to learn how to use a lathe. For now, I'll clean up the chair best I can, and keep it in my home. It is very comfortable, and has a lot of personality. I'm definitely learning as I go!
Basically you have a nice chair and the price was about as good as you can get. If you intend investing money it would benefit you to learn about mismatch. Both in wood, finish and especially grain pattern. It will help you identify pieces that have been reworked by someone who had no idea what they were doing from an original or other rebuilt or reproduction pieces. You should be well versed in 20 or 30 years and then work toward knowing something. I am still working on it.
Well, I'm 50 now, and just became interested in this stuff. I look at it as lucky me, I have a hobby I enjoy that doesn't HAVE to cost me an arm and a leg. :)
I have close to two decades on you and I am still learning. I was fortunate enough to have worked with a master craftsman for a number of years. Everything in life should be a learning experience. Wood is a fun hobby. Never throw away something made of real wood until you take it apart. It was drilled into my head from day one....if you don't know how it was put together then you can't take it apart. That goes for a chair right on up to a house and everything in between. Experiment on junk. Learning to use a lathe isn't difficult but a kick back can maim or kill you. Find an adult class or a friend who is experienced and learn. It is very satisfying watching a raw block of wood transform to a vase or bowl or even the spindle you need. Watch for other chairs with bigger spindles, they can be cut and turned down to match yours.