Removing Feet on a chest of drawers

[NigelH]

Hi all

I’m restoring a 20+yr old set of NZ Rimu bedroom furniture.
The tall boy, dresser and bedside cabinets all have turned feet that have been secured by some kind of dowel system that I don’t recognise.
Can someone help me
1. What tool makes these cross marks in timber
2. How do I remove the feet without damaging either the feet or the cabinet?

TIA489587

Nigel

[Thumbthumper]

Hi Nigel,

The cross marks would be from the live centre on the lathe from when the foot was turned.

It may just be a single dowel in the centre.
You could try using a heat gun for a good few minutes to warm it up. It may twist off.

If all else fails, just drill out the dowel to remove the foot.

Cheers,
Stu

[Xanthorrhoeas]

It certainly looks like a single dowel has been bored straight through from the underside of the foot. Late 20 th century adhesive could be a wide range with pva a likely contender. But it could also be one of the phenolic adhesives. Neither of those will respond to heat. If it was much older it could have hide glue, which hot water would soften. I think that Thumthumper has it covered and drilling out the dowel is likely the best fix. I suggest that you buy the replacement dowel first so that you can size your drill bit to fit the new dowel.
good luck
David

[warrick]

Might also be a plug with a screw underneath

Rick

[Xanthorrhoeas]

Might also be a plug with a screw underneath

Rick

Agree that is a distinct possibility I didn’t think of. Would be an easy solution if it’s the case.