Difficult Restoration of a Broken Chair, a Woodworking Repair by Fixing Furniture

[@mahmoudomara5421]

Words can't describe how much gratitude I have for the valuable lessons in furniture repair you keep putting out. I have watched the whole video in one run and wished for it not to end. Thank you so much for sharing the tips and tricks of your fine craft. I wish you and yours all the best.

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, thanks for sharing that. To be honest, I think I'm enjoying it as much as you are. I strive to make these videos better each time with advanced filming techniques and creative editing. You're comment made my day Mahmoud! Thank you! Scott

[@debmuel]

45 years ago my Jr Highschool allowed the girls to take one semester of wood shop. I loved it then, but never had the opportunity to continue. You are inspiring me to at least do small repairs on my old beloved family pieces. ❤

[@PabloJ1968]

Never too old to start again!

[@patgreenshc]

Excellent handwork

[@AdrianChairez0377]

Loving that two tone wood finish, the customer made a VERY good decision 48:57 timestamp

[@philipbrailey]

I would have loved a close up of the repairs at the very end. Thank you.

[@DavidLayM]

There's something hypnotic about watching a master at work, and Sr, you also know your audience, your editing is so spot on, there are times at I might have forgotten to breath. The hour-long video left me wanting more, while at the same time feeling like a lifetime of advice.

[@thomassawyer6523]

A steady hand for very detailed work, extensive knowledge of bonding agents and fillers, and demonstration of a ton of patience with no cursing. All in 1 amazing video TY!

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, thank you Thomas! Scott

[@jbart5260]

So glad I found out about your channel. I came over from Trena'a John's Furniture repair channel

[@FixingFurniture]

Awesome! Thank you. Scott

[@bow-tiedengineer4453]

I quite like the contrast between the sapwood and heartwood, especially on the front leg. I think it adds to the visual interest of the piece.

[@KenZchameleon]

This was so cool. Your eyes really do just skim over the drawn-in lines and patches because they aren't different/obvious repairs. Well done!

[@paulacornelison243]

I like the way the wood looks. It is a pleasant change from dark wood.

[@grahamrankin4725]

Wedge technique was very useful

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you found that helpful Graham. Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@raymundoyu9972]

Truly you are an excellent craftsman. You work like a surgeon.

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, thank you Raymundo! Scott

[@Cradley684]

Excellents work from both sides, great video and have a nice day. Brian UK 👍👍👍

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Brian! Cheers! Scott

[@tomhman6441]

Great job,hope people realize how difficult this work. Really nice

[@MrJozef1974]

Brilliant !!!!!!! Love this ♥️ Thank you Scott.

[@gav2759]

I find the contrast of walnut sapwood very attractive on contemporary pieces, not sure about it in this case. Of course if you own a piece you can do what you like with it but I always try to respect what the original maker visualised. Very comprehensive vid Scott, thanks for posting.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@kellyhudspeth1736]

I agree with the owner of the piece. It is very artistic and unique. Like no two pieces of driftwood are the same, this sapwood really gives this piece individuality. Your attention (obsession 😉) to detail is so very satisfying to watch!

[@larsfrandsen2501]

I agree with you, Gav. However, I tend to look at these things with an historical lens. There is no doubt that the original maker wanted the colours matched. I think we like to see the craftsmanship behind the work today because it is so rare to find furniture these days that are also made the artisan way. Contemporary pieces are often made to show off the workmanship as well as design. Older craftsmen took it for granted that a cabinet maker mastered all the techniques need for his craft. No need to show off. But personally, I could go either way. Absolutely fabulous video!

[@petero2693]

Just wow... all the tricks and skill..

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter! Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@MrBrucester]

You sir are a true craftsman! I enjoy watching your videos a lot, thank you for posting.

[@Sen89ew]

You are a true artist. Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@athmostafa2462]

I have never played with walnuts before but I love the natural look not stain . Thanks for sharing 😊.

[@jacqueshummelgaardolesen]

Nice job, i love to see a old chair be repair and still being used

[@Tara-mw9gz]

I have a new found addiction to your channel! Would love to have a little background on each piece you restore. ❤

[@leewood729]

Good tip with the wedge to get dowels out. :)

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you liked it Lee. Cheers. Scott

[@christopherhinds7102]

I am a carpenter and I figure that in about 10 years of you making this type of content I will be able to open my own shop! Lol thanks for all the hard work and that looks great

[@mahmoudomara5421]

Don't be so hard on yourself man. Sure you can do it in less if you pay close attention to his fine work!

[@jill552]

Your channel is underrated. 👍🏻 everyone to help the algorithm.

[@FixingFurniture]

I appreciate your support. If you share it with others via social media, that would help. Thanks Jill! Scott

[@Jill-K]

You make it look so easy I think I could do it 🤯

[@mightyporky]

I enjoy watching because of the obvious care exuded to detail.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate that! Scott

[@Brian-Burke]

Appropriate title as this was quite complicated! Awesome job, Scott. I actually love the way the owner finished them. I really like the two-tone coloring.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Brian! Scott

[@barbkrienke8400]

The work you did on this chair is amazing! All of those tiny details to keep track of and work out in unison!! Wow!! I do like the two toned look of walnut on cabinets or other large pieces. Not sure that would be my personal preference for this older chair, especially since it has repairs. But like you said, it’s what makes the owner happy, and that’s all that really matters. Thanks for a great and comprehensive video!!!

[@schechnera]

I continue to learn something new with each video, Scott. Your technique for adding scraps of walnut to repair the broken pieces was very informative. Thanks!

[@scottnyc6572]

You have the hands of a surgeon and an eye for details.Very impressive repair!!

[@mauricelevy9027]

Absolutely fascinating to see the finishing process,which is almost magical the way the gaps and mismatches of grain disappear when the "artist" gets going . Thanks for posting .

[@martyjosephson4937]

Very Nice Work, a masterpiece. As the old saying goes; "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

[@FixingFurniture]

Yes indeed! Thanks for being a subscriber Marty! Scott

[@bubba8]

Such a dedicated craftsman. Proud to see him in the profession!

[@larsfrandsen2501]

I am new to this channel. I find it is on another (higher) level, compared to nearly all the other channels with a similar focus, and certainly on par with best of the rest. Love it! Thank you. (I am the son of a 98-year-old cabinet maker, 5th generation wood worker. I hasten to add that I myself am not a wood working professional. I am just an amateur wood worker.) I actually have a chair that looks exactly like the one you restore here. I was told it was 18th C. French.

[@Wish_I_Wood]

🤠 Thanks for the great video and awesome tutorial and tips. I never get tired of watching your work evolve in to a finished piece.

[@jeniferpollonais6546]

What skill! And patience! It’s a pleasure to watch you work. Thank you

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much Jenifer! Cheers. Scott

[@sangfroidian5451]

I have a chair with a similar design if not an even worse set of crest fractures and multiple previous failed repairs to undo, so this video was incredibly helpful on new/more complex repair techniques. I've been watching a while and improving my skills to be able to tackle it. I got a bit lost on the creation and carving of replacement pieces, but I'm still learning and with a bit more practice, I may be able to start trying my own chair repair. Thank you for all your work!

[@t.kraemer871]

I am not a woodworker, but watching your videos shows me what I can expect to have done on some inherited antique furniture items that I need to get repaired or restored. Your presentation is not fast-paced, which gives a newbie like me a chance to follow and understand. Thanks for all this valuable information!

[@arnoldolorenzo3474]

Wow. That was a really hard one, like a jigsaw puzzle. Thank you.

[@FixingFurniture]

You're welcome Arnoldo! Cheers. Scott

[@tombarlow6176]

Sir. You are a artist wonderful work

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you so much 😀

[@andrestamour1863]

Verry nice job. ❤

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@caroltanzi29]

Scott: this was a tough restoration. However, you did a brilliant job. I held my breath a few times. So instructive. Coincidentally, I just donated a Victorian side chair just like this,except there was a grape carving at the top of the back rail. I had it restored, and off it went for a silent auction for a museum fundraiser. It had the original red mohair fabric seat in mint shape still on it. Before I let it go, I just admired it. That fabric seat on the newly restored chair was a site to behold. It went to a good home. Carol from California

[@brettyoung8328]

That was great, I really enjoyed and learned. Thank You Very Much.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful Brett!

[@williamglaser6577]

Found you from Trena. Very informative. Thanks for your profesionalism. No filler of pets or poor quality music is very much appreciated. Most enjoyable watching a true craftsman at work. Guess I spote too soon about the music. Thanks for minizing it.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it... even with a little music. Cheers. Scott

[@christopherharrison6724]

A craftsman of the highest nature,an extremely professional approach.

[@tkorn45]

Amazing work Scott!!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you kindly!

[@AzanRahman-h9w]

That's all appreciate how this guy works in your hard

[@lindamarsh6711]

Nice to see a Canadian workshop restoring furniture. I’m a 71 year old woman from Taber Alberta who enjoys giving life back to old furniture too. Mostly I’ve been watching master restorers from Europe but now I’ve subscribed to you as well. I enjoyed hearing what you are using and doing instead of watching and reading and wondering what product they are using because it’s got some strange name and not available here in CA. God bless! 🙏🏼🙏🏻🙏🏽🙏🏾👏🏻🇨🇦☝🏻

[@evanpenny348]

Heroic repair. Great stuff.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you like it Evan. Thanks for being a subscriber! Scott

[@chrisb2557]

Fantastic work and craftman ship. A joy to watch. Thank you.

[@OwlingDogDesign]

So very good & such attention to detail! Thanks for the video and I agree - wood-craft is a dying trade.

[@garthok6224]

What a pro!!!!!!!! Your videos are super entertaining to me. Thanks!

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Another excellent repair Scott 👏👏👍

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Michael. I appreciate that!

[@InkWellideas]

Thanks for appearing on Trena's channel, and giving a demonstration of sharpening chisels

[@FixingFurniture]

We had fun shooting that video. Glad you found it helpful! Scott

[@triplex86]

Excellent video Scott and very enjoyable to watch. I really look forward to your uploads as you have a great presentational style which is friendly but authoritative and informative at the same time. Thank you.

[@FixingFurniture]

Well thank you! It makes he me happy to hear you're enjoying our videos. That's rewarding for me. Thanks! Scott

[@littleblackcar]

"I've stopped questioning whether it's valuable or not--it's really up to the individual." Thank you. The value only really matters if you're going to sell it. If I just want it to be structurally sound, complete, and somewhat better-looking for its own sake, and I'm willing to pay for it, who cares?

[@mahmoudomara5421]

I agree👌

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that! Scott

[@167curly]

Scott; I admire your patience when tackling that "jigsaw puzzle" from 18 minutes on in your video. Also you ingenuity in making new parts to replace those broken ones is fascinating. A beautiful repair to that elegant chair!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Phil! Yes, this project had the gears turning in my head. Cheers. Scott

[@cynthiaescobar3762]

You are an awesome instructor. I watched 2 of your videos this morning, and I learned a lot. Thanks for posting your work!

[@jackiehodgson4501]

Thank you for sharing your amazing craftsmanship. Your work is stunning!! 😊

[@4tannus]

I like how you show the process in fast and regular time. Thanks for showing your techniques and tips.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for that helpful feedback! I'm glad you appreciated this new technique I tried for video editing. Scott

[@joelsilver7199]

Excellent video Scott. Very informative and the repair just disappeared.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Joel!

[@thejudgemeister]

I truly love watching the transformation and the attention to detail that goes in to your repairs. Thank you for sharing this.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for watching!

[@donniejack8828]

Excellent job patching the missing wood and everything else. I’ve learned so much watching you. And I don’t care for the look of sap wood showing in the walnut chair.

[@sharonjb.y111]

Fantastic repair and beautiful result. I love how meticulous you are and how you pay attention to the smallest details.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much Sharon! Scott

[@strongjohn10956]

Thanks for the in-depth dive on this project. All those details are very informative.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful! Scott

[@littlebit8901]

Very nice job!

[@dzymslizzy3641]

With CA glues, you can also use the instant-set thin stuff, line your pieces up, clamp together, then drip the glue into the joint. It will flow in, and you get a nearly invisible bond. My ex used to use it for building radio controlled model planes, which are subject to quite a lot of stress. The wood is usually balsa or bass wood, and if you happened to crash the plane, the wood would break anywhere except at that glue joint. It makes a very strong joint. WOW! What delicate work, trimming off less than a kerf at a time!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that tip. I appreciate it! Scott #tip

[@heavenknowsheavenknows3747]

This is a well upholstered chair.

[@FixingFurniture]

Yes, it was a good quality piece of furniture. Cheers. Scott

[@francestoombs1944]

my husband and I both like the 2 tone effect of the different walnut colors.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Frances. I appreciate it! Scott

[@lawrente]

Love how you were able to repair the top of the chair. I wish the customer had taken your advice to use a dark stain. It would have evened out the finish and made the chair more cohesive but to each their own. Great work, Scott!

[@lidalinda9056]

A most wonderful restoration!

[@FixingFurniture]

I'm glad to hear that Linda. Thanks. Scott

[@mam2szczury]

Thank you for sharing. It is inspiring to see such professional repair, and it is obvious that puting together over hour long video is an additional effort that may or may not pays off. Much appreciated.

[@FixingFurniture]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching. Scott

[@timziegler9358]

Excellent job restoring that chair! Best wishes.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much!

[@MrMattDat]

Beautiful work! I would've never thought that much damage could be repaired.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@beckyelliott2871]

I have 2 tables that need restoration and refinishing. Both are antiques of different ages. I know that the smaller table has beautiful wood underneath the blackish finish. I also was blest to be given a sofa that my grandparents bought PRE- WW2. The frame is very solid and sturdy with medium brown Naugahyde “skin” and 3 seat cushions - 12x12x 2” . The springs and cushions and dust screen all need replacement and there are some small areas of the “skin” needs some attention. The stuffing in the 3 cushions are horsehair, but I don’t know where to get high quality foam in the size I need. Any idea what the cost would be to get this sofa back to better shape for the next 4 or 5 generations of family use?

[@JuanRivera-wm2um]

Looks good. Excellent job.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@knottyal2428]

Well done Scott! This balloon back chair and its damage is a perfect demonstration of the weakness of the design. The short grain sections in the curves are always the weak spot. Owners should always move these by lifting under the seat, not the crest rail! Don't lean back either!

[@mahmoudomara5421]

Good to know 👍

[@mildredmartinez8843]

Your video editing is excellent. And your explanations are great. But what I most enjoyed is seeing such a beautiful chair brought back to life. After seeing such difficult restoring of missing parts you are among the best restorers I've seen. It was such a delicate work of restoring this beautifully crafted chair. Excellent.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much Mildred! Thank you also for subscribing. Scott

[@messyfishing6536]

i just discovered you and this is my 3rd video today 😅 cant stop watching. so much to learn

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Thanks Scott for another great informative and entertaining video. I always come away learning something. One item comes to minde though on heating a joint. you are very relucktant to over heat and burn the wood. Tom Johnson seems to live by heat on a suborn joint. he uses the two minute rule on low setting using a timer. and so far he has not had any burn problems . to each their own as the old saying goes. thanks again for sharing. ECF

[@FixingFurniture]

Very true! Nice to hear from you Ellis!

[@dwighthebert4052]

Scott, thanks for these videos. I’m learning a lot. I’ve got a rocking chair that has broken “Zigzag “ springs. Where can I buy these? Thanks.

[@FixingFurniture]

Here's a link to a kit on Amazon for the springs amzn.to/3SJzzwU I hope that helps

[@davecurda2350]

Very informative video thank you very much. Great job on the outstanding work on this chair and I agree with you they should have stained it dark.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Dave! Nice to hear from you again. Cheers. Scott

[@mlm7598]

Thank you for sharing the tips and tricks of all these beautiful items you work on. It is an absolute teaching and amazing almost hands on tutorial of how to do it right. Loving this video. I can appreciate both looks of the wood....I love the traditional but can appreciate the lighter wood mixed as a conversation piece but if looking close the style is more as tho it had been patched, which it has been but eclectic. I can appreciate it both ways, I myself would have chosen what you had suggested myself as I am more traditional. I love wood in all colors for what they are. The most treasured piece I have is purple wood which my father had his friend make we six sisters a hand mirror for a Christmas gift. It is beautiful and I find it very attractive yet very simply made....but made with perfection. Thank you for all your working on these beautiful things. Trena shared with us your sharpening tutorial and I had to come and visit and subscribe. I am so glad she shared that.........my father always kept a wet stone to sharpen mothers kitchen knives. My father would be 101 years old if he were still here so that is an art from years and so thrilled to see you use that! Before each big holiday out came the sharpening stone and each knife got a good blade that cut the meat /birds beautifully.........thanks for triggering memories as well!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for sharing that! Scott

[@ibrhemahmed170]

Good

[@michaelryan6884]

Very nice job...love watching you work.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much! And thank you for subscribing! Scott

[@stuartschaffner9744]

That's really good work! FWIW, I agree with the customer about leaving the sapwood light. It makes the walnut look more alive.

[@michelemartin3360]

I personally enjoy the look of the sapwood, it gives it character 😊

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Michele!

[@michelemartin3360]

@@FixingFurniture 💗

[@kentshrader6616]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your posts are so amazing! I've learned so much! Keep up the great lessons!

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, you're welcome. Thank you for your support and encouragement! Scott

[@puffkat68]

I never try to figure someone else value in piece. I tell them the price for repairs and it is up to them if the value is there. I have had a $50 chair that someone wanted completely restored, they paid what I asked and were very happy. It was a family piece and was worth the cost of restoration to the family. I wish I could carve pieces like you, I have a friend who does it for me when needed. Great channel, love the videos. I have learned so much watching your videos. Cheers from Newfoundland.

[@jerrywoodlee2345]

What a great job. 👍

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Jerry! Scott

[@michaelshocik5915]

I have to agree with the owner of the chair, for I too love the variations in the colors of the wood!!!

[@0xPeter]

Thank you for another amazing video. They give me so much perspective when it comes to effort and the work I do, and I don’t even work with furniture!

[@nickkotsoglou7478]

That is a beautiful job…like all of yours, well done

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks Nick! Scott

[@jerrycomo2736]

Sap wood: If I am joining two or more boards with sap wood edges, before cutting it away and scrapping it, I try joining the two sap wood edges together to see how it looks. It might resemble a book matched board good enough for a tool chest but probably not good enough for fine furniture. I agree with your suggestion in reference to use of darker stain in this case.

[@kelstra1997]

Certainly one of the more challenging repairs you have done but the final result is pretty remarkable to say the least.

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, thank you Kelstra! Scott

[@paulhodgson4790]

Great video, very easy to understand patching in new wood. I think I would have gone for the stain to even out the colour, more in keeping with the age of the chair.

[@betmo]

wow! you can't tell it was ever broken! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@knottreel]

Your skills are phenomenal. I've never seen anything like it.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks. Glad you like the video. Scott