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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    186

    Default Tilt table leg repair

    This table was repaired when I got it but just with a couple of screws
    One of the 3 legs has come away and I think a longer term solution is to insert some dowels but I don't know how to align and drill matching holes.
    Can anyone give advice or pointers on the procedure or tell me a better way?
    I was considering for the long term building a steel ring underneath that would have radial pieces to support all 3 legs for the future.

    I'm also looking for what the hinge pin is supposed to be.
    Cheers,

    1. Centre column where lag has come away
    2. Leg
    3. Bottom of column
    4. Leg where separated from column front face
    5. Leg where separated from column Top view
    6. Location of missing hinge point (just small round rod?)

    IMG_1747.jpgIMG_1746.jpgIMG_1749.jpgIMG_1750.jpgIMG_1751.jpgIMG_1743.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Sth Gippsland Vic
    Posts
    4

    Default

    This is a common repair we had come through the door. And the sort of thing I never repair with traditional hide glue. It looks like as usual its been repaired and failed again.Which is typical.
    On earlier tables mid to late 18th century, you would see a three way steel strap running up each leg from the center and sometimes they broke but mostly the just got loose and stayed together . The later Victorian types like this flew apart . The general good way to look at all repairs like this is never go adding more nails or screws or dowels because its making things worse. Sometimes if things are a real mess fine nails are added whilst glueing up to stop things sliding out of alignment while things are clamped and drying . The heads of which are left high if possible so they can be withdrawn after things have set . How the repair is done is the broken pieces are cleaned of the old glue . Hot water and a scraping or wire brush . you want fresh clean wood without removing wood , just old glue . let it thouroghly dry in a sunny window for days or a week . Then reglue the pieces back onto the column with two pack glue . either 24 hour Araldyte or better, techniglue ,which is what i use now. pretty sure its this one , id have to check.
    https://www.arnoldsboatshop.com.au/2...yABEgIpDfD_BwE

    I mix oxide colours in with the glue if its needed.

    You could , in a job like this ,repair the broken off pieces with two pack. And if the dovetail is still a good fit go back to hide glue for the join to still be traditional and removable at a later date . Or if its loose and gappy use two pack there as well .
    The addition of a tree way steel flat strap if fitted right will keep it strong for good .
    Fitting them right is something I see done wrong sometimes. They have to be screwed in the right spots to prevent the leg from moving . You have a scroll at the leg to column junction that needs a screw in tight on each side of that scroll as well as a few up the leg from the scroll . You would need to shape the three legs of the steel strap around the three scrolls as well .
    The best thing to make the steel strap from would be a 1.5 to 2mm piece of rusty old stuff . Jig saw it out of that and with hammering and the right treatment that comes up looking like its been there for ever . I just did a hinge like that I should show off here. The quickest way I used to make them though was , I had 30 single straps at a time laser cut with holes in place and I'd cut and fit and weld them up for three or four leg tables . With the repro stuff I was making 30 would last a couple of years until I needed more.

    This is a repro of the tilt pin . Finding an old one , then one that fits the thread as well can be difficult . I could tell you where to get it in a pm if you need one .

    Untitledaaaaa1.png

    Rob

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    186

    Default

    Thank you Rob, it's looks like I will have to practice some new skills before I touch this one. I have already made contact with someone who mixed metal and woodworking skills who may be able to help me with the metal side.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    186

    Default

    Thought I could start practising the the big event by getting some more damaged tables and repairing them. This is the beginning of my first attempt. I had to clean the old glue out, then install new glue and start clamping. I was happy with the PVA gluing but unsure of my clamping techniques.
    IMG_1851.jpgIMG_1850.jpgIMG_1859.jpgIMG_1860.jpg

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    186

    Default

    Finally decided to implement a temporary repair replacing the 2 original screws and adding 2 new long ones at a new angle.
    For the missing bolts I have just run with a new 3/16 UNC coarse thread pair of bolts until I can get the right type.
    At least now the table is complete and functional and able to have the surfaces reconditioned.

    Don't worry about the supervision in the background.


    IMG_1975.jpgIMG_1976.jpgIMG_1974.jpg

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