How to Repair a Broken Rocking Chair - a Restoration by Fixing Furniture

[@mightyporky]

Long ago an old fellow told me to stop worrying about mistakes. His theory was the folks who do not make mistakes are the people who do nothing and they never learn anything new. Now here I am, an old man (be 80 in August) and I got to tell you Scott, I try and learn something every day. Keep teaching, you are a natural.

[@mercoid]

I’m in my fifties, while not a professional craftsperson, I am a capable amateur woodworker and proficient in general handiwork. I’m not so sure the old codger you speak of was particularly wise. Sure I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years and learned from them. But there comes a point where you begin to make far less of them due to an accumulation of knowledge an “feel” for the nature of materials. Also, the idea of not making mistakes because you don’t actually do anything, is pretty silly. By that logic, Mistakes or lack there of, obviously don’t enter the equation.

[@mightyporky]

@@mercoid you are welcome to your opinion however flawed it is. Silly is non comprehension or refusing to consider an alternative to the established norm....."obviously don't enter the equation" is a senseless remark at best.

[@mercoid]

@@mightyporky …..Think what you want of me. I happen to be capable of deep comprehension and thrive on stepping out of established norms.

[@adamseery7738]

I have anxiety disorder. Your voice is very calming. I like the fact you admit what you don’t know. You show the placement of your hands. This allows people to follow you and do it safely. Thank you.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Adam. I appreciate your feedback! Scott

[@amyworman4196]

Love your calm way of teaching. Also thanks for showing your struggles along the way!

[@FixingFurniture]

You are so welcome! Thank you for your support by subscribing Amy! Scott

[@shirleypedersen7406]

That was a lot of work but it looks great.

[@hanssenden4410]

In the past i usede a V-schaped gouge along the grain (from both sides) to create room for the pliers. It gives a clean result if the gouge is sharp.

[@TheOrgCaptainHowdy]

10:42 I truly appreciate your truthfulness and willingness to allow those like me (armature restorers) to see your "uh ohs", I anticipated the wood would split as soon as you started separating the tenon and sort of cringed... You sharing with us the mistake and the fix is invaluable, thanks for the candor.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you found that useful to see my mistake. I hope it helps other avoid making the same mistake. Cheers. Scott

[@stephencatanzaro310]

Scott - Great video - Leather Canels to watch - Weaver Leather, Springfield Leather and Corter Leather. They have videos on how to sharppen edgers, finish and dye the edge. Everything about leather and sell tools,leather, and dyes.

[@stephencatanzaro310]

Scott to sharpen the edger strop it like you did, but use string with compound on the middle of the tool.

[@peachstreetrestyle2518]

Wow! There are so many things I enjoyed about this video; the leather work, the tip on how to antique hardware, the wood shavings used to enlarge the tenon, and how to take the chair apart. You are so meticulous in explaining each step and it's very much appreciated. You were brave to video your first attempt at the leather work but I was certain you would be successful due to your methodical way of thinking things through. Well done! I'm a member of Kim's upholstery and I highly recommend her training! She's a wonderful teacher, just like you. Thank-you for the video!

[@FixingFurniture]

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it and appreciate the detailed knowledge I share on our channel. Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@mozu517]

This is only my second time watching your channel. I really appreciate your professional use of the camera; the judicious use of close ups, time-lapse and slow-motion. Your explanations as you go along are clear and easy to follow, not too simple and not too over my head.

[@patriciasiefert7140]

That’s beautiful, you are very talented. Thank you for sharing!

[@FixingFurniture]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching! Scott

[@carlcooper3525]

Scott you ever try using roll pins to get nails out? Just get a roll pin that just fits over the head of the nail. Put in in your drill and drill around the head of nail the use diagonals to pull nail out.

[@1911wood]

That sounds like a great idea.

[@kreterakete]

This chair is ugly as hell. ( for the European taste spoken )

[@joewolv3728]

I have encountered the finishing nail in joints a few times. What I have found works best wih minimal damage to the wood is to take a punch the same diameter as the nail and drive it though the wood until the other side is exposed to be able to pull it out, Very quick and minmal damage which is easy to repair

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Joe! Scott

[@Restorology]

That is a great tip. Thank you for sharing.

[@stephenrobb8759]

A leather hole punch bit can open up a clean round clearance to grab the head of a nail in places where driving through is not an option. A core drill bit can remove larger nails and screws when the head is missing.

[@lenkuffert7428]

Re: finishing nails in joints, if the spot allows, you can use a plug cutter to make a neater circular ring around the head of the nail, then break away the “plug” remaining around the nail head. Then pull nail and patch circular hole. Not applicable in every situation, but I’ve used it on a similar chair.

[@FixingFurniture]

Cool. Thanks for sharing that tip Len. Thank you as well for being a subscriber - I appreciate the support. Scott

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

I use the same on floorboards, but only to get under the surface, it's just quicker. Than hacking with a chisel etc.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

great job Scott!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Trena! Glad you liked it!

[@traceyrice9359]

Wow! Beyond impressive!

[@jomercer21113]

Sand the back of the leather to thin down the edge so it's flush with the top of the wooden seat. I love your channel--its been very helpful in solving out old sewing machine cabinet problems.

[@mercoid]

Weaken the leather on the already poorly conceived and executed leather seat on this chair.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for the tip Jo as I learn this new skill! Scott #tip

[@charleenwright4336]

It is so delightful to watch creative people such as you, Scott, always inventive and never afraid to try something new. The chair is beautiful.

[@alangknowles]

You are right about wood dyes being similar. Jerry Rosa string works workshop uses Feiblings leather dyes to stain his mandolins.

[@FixingFurniture]

Oh, that's interesting. Thanks for sharing that Alan, and thank you for your support by subscribing. Scott

[@berryconway4296]

Another fine repair. I believe this is the first KZbin video on woodworking where I've seen a bench hook used.

[@FixingFurniture]

Oh, and it's such a simple tool to make and use. Thanks for sharing that Berry, and thank you for being a subscriber! Scott

[@aprilsmith4797]

That color match on the leather was amazing.

[@NajRellim]

Outstanding learning process! Thank you so much. Just can't stop watching and learning.

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

I watched several of your videos, and not only enjoyed them, but learnt a lot too. I then watched an even dozen of other KZbin channels concerning furniture repair and or restoration. Comparing them all, I hurried back to you. Liked, commented and subscribed, your a star! You’re clear, easy to follow and understand, explaining all you do, why and how. You’re also very calming.

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, thank you Jennifer! I appreciate that! Scott

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Another great video Scott!. My tip of the day is I have used a Hole plug cutter relating to the size of the nail head to drill around the nail to have 360 deg access to the nail to pull it out. thanks for sharing ECF.

[@FixingFurniture]

Great tip Ellis! Thank you for sharing that with us! Scott #tip

[@RonaldBeyer-z3p]

No mistake,a nail in a older furniture is shame (destroy furniture)all of us can learn a lot of your work Thank you to take care of old furniture

[@alpetterson9452]

Always very impressed when restorers know what RESTORATION is and work in a way that shows it.

[@juz4kix]

Lots of good info in this episode. Always enjoy your work.

[@aok2727]

Love this! I will be using several of these techniques as I rework an old oak rocker that is beyond beat. I plan to ebonize it too

[@FitnessGramma]

Skill Tree (very bubbly personality) makes many different leather products mostly wearable but he has many skills. Another I watch is Freak of Nature who makes sheaths and belts, smaller items but has great tools and terrific results. Thanks for all you do, looking forward to Clean Lathe videos.

[@helenascheele5922]

What a nice rocking chair! I want to sit in it. Thanks so much for teaching so Wei!

[@FixingFurniture]

You are so welcome! Scott

[@markclem593]

I've been following your channel for some time now. While I've seen most of the repair techniques you used in this video from your other videos, this refresher couldn't have come at a better time. I will be using most of your techniques on a current chair repair project. Thank you for your information and excellent presentation!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Mark! I hope you'll consider subscribing. Cheers. Scott

[@markclem593]

@@FixingFurniture I'm already a subscriber, Scott! Thanks again!

[@giuseppebevilacqua2034]

And how we Italian say : Bravo Maestro. Happy father's Day🎉 greetings from South Italy

[@gillesderouen3313]

Thank you for all the explanations. They are very clear. Maybe you can use a magnet to search for hidden nails.

[@Murilozambiazzi]

Thanks for these valuable tips, for any kind of woodwork!!

[@dzymslizzy3641]

What a cute little mini-cat's paw tool! Love/hate relationship with Forstner bits! Have had them catch and grab, causing the entire drill to spin and do a number on my knuckles! 🤨

[@jeniferpollonais6546]

Painstaking work! Beautifully done .

[@THEDUDE0410]

Wow you did a fantastic job and you have a great deal of patience. Peace and love from Clearwater Florida

[@Elwingish]

I said it before and I'll say it again you are a treasure and such a pleasure to watch.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you. That's very kind of you. Scott

[@jdhtyler]

Pulling nails with pliers, I usually put a bit of flat steel in the jaw near were I grip the nail to stop it closing the jaws too much and cutting off the top of the nail. I have use snipe nose pliers and a vice grip pliers to add a lot pressure near the tip of the snipe nose to increase the grip on the nail. Removing sheared thread studs in the blacksmiths shop was a bit easier since we could weld a bit of steel to the stud. Pity there is no way to earth the nail in wood to weld to the head. It is the rust on the nail shaft that gives us the problems, easy with iron and steel just spray on a release lubricant, it is a problem with wood since no glue or finish would stick after contaminating the wood. Many thanks for all your tips and videos.

[@lenaepoppe6194]

That shaving is brilliant!

[@caroltanzi29]

Scott: I learned so many things while watching this video. Those tips and tricks are most beneficial to know whether done for restorations or other crafts. A lot of great information. This restoration job was wonderful to watch. I bet your customer was thrilled when she saw her chair again. Carol from California

[@jasonmauza7104]

i just love your calm demeanor, as a renovation carpenter, i have learned so many tips that actually apply to my job sites, it transcends just furniture restortation, into high end finish carpentery

[@FixingFurniture]

Oh, that's interesting. I'd love to hear about what's transferrable to carpentry. Thanks for being a subscriber Jason! Scott

[@edadpops1709]

Nice tip with the burnishing

[@lenaepoppe6194]

I was holding my breath while you were doing the leather! Good luck on the lathe dust patten! Love watching you work excellent job! Excellent work thanks so much!

[@mikelluege2888]

I use a leather round hollow punch to go arround the head of finishing nails. It is a bit less of a mess for the wood. I love all of your videos. Thank you.

[@renoholland7090]

Interesting project and job well done. My wife and I enjoyed watching it, as always. And every time I learn something as well.

[@131dyana]

Amazing restoration.

[@ablelock]

I know of course it is too late to tell you now you’ve already been working on it and doing it and it’s probably finished, but I thought I might make a suggestion on your leather when you’re trying to use the scape on it to do an edge. If you take a bottle with water in it and moisten the leather to make it more workable it would be easier to do the ski thing on the edge just like when they do tooling in the leather as well I do some leather work myself and it’s always better if you can to work with the weather as it is soften with water, because once the weather becomes dry, it becomes tough and hard to work with. Of course, that is not going to help you now being that you’re already got the project done probably but I enjoy your tips that you have Scott and look forward to more of them. Keep up the good work.

[@ginnysimpson5232]

Diesel Punk Ro is really good at leather. His techniques are excellent even for a beginner.

[@CivilDefenceCanada]

This turned out well. Thanks for sharing the tips on removing the finishing nails. Your skill and technique is great. Thanks for sharing!

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad to hear that was helpful for you. Thanks for sharing that. Scott 🇨🇦

[@donamir3652]

Me ha gustado mucho tu trabajo! Eres muy cuidadoso con los detalles gracias!!

[@teresagriffin]

Awesomeness! Love how you care for your pieces!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

WOW that was brilliant. I learned some good tips here too - white vinegar trick, how to get nails out and how to 'age' brass. Thank you for sharing your skills with us, and well done with the leather work too ! I bet the client was thrilled with the result. Thanks again - take care 🙂

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it Micheal and thank you for being a subscriber! I appreciate your support! Scott

[@emochinchilla]

Thank you for the amazing content.

[@clifflewis-yq3lw]

Thanks!

[@FixingFurniture]

You’re welcome! Thank you for your support Cliff! Scott

[@shaynecarter-murray3127]

I got fencing pliers in an inherited toolbox and had no idea what they were for, but inused them for taking apart pallets and they are awesome for that

[@tracydale4192]

So beautiful! You’re meticulous attention to detail is a pleasure to watch! ❤

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it! Scott

[@redherring3110]

Thanks for your honesty. A lot of youtubers would never leave a mistake on video. I do not think there is really a easy way to get finishing nails from furniture expecially when it is a old nail like that. Perhaps there is specialist old tool for it to minimise the damage but i never seen one.

[@Balbabine]

When working with an edge beveler for the first time, take time to figure out the optimal angle and pressure for the tool. I just found your channel and really enjoy your work!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for your tip Nelson! I appreciate that. Scott #tip

[@perrycullen1765]

Just retired... Started a chair very similar to the one you just rebuilt, thanks for the great tips , will be following this page for sure. 👍🏽

[@Dzpuple]

I find these videos so cool thank you for making them

[@patriciacrozier7624]

You are one patient man!😊

[@mikedonnelly2174]

Always enjoy watching how you approach the repairs. Keep up the good work.

[@brokenthor]

dudes the Bob Ross of furniture. 😁👍

[@g.l.swartz3157]

Great work as always. As for leather working, I have learned quite a bit from Corter Leather on you tube. Enjoy the journey.

[@voldmar]

I like Corter Leather, got some useful info to start leatherworking

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for the recommendation Vladimir. I've watched one video and subscribed! Thank you as well for subscribing to our channel! Scott

[@fgslwoodworks]

You are doing a fantastic job of restoring, and I enjoy watching. One question...did you ever think of using a small plug cutter for getting around the finishing nail? It would do less damage, and create a clean hole you could put a small plug or dowel in. Also, a leatherworker told me recently, if you wet the area you are trying to cut, it is easier to cut.

[@bmr250]

When using a skiver, it works best on a hard surface. I loved your video and learned so much. Thank you

[@glencrandall7051]

Great repair. Great instruction. Great entertainment. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it Glen. I hope you become a subscriber. Cheers. Scott

[@woodandwandco]

That finishing nail! So frustrating! You did a great job on this repair! May I suggest attempting to split the tenon prior to clamping to force the breakage in the tenon rather than in the back? Perhaps by drilling a 1/8" hole near the closest inner edge of the tenon, and splitting the fibers as far inward as possible at an angle with a thin chisel or another nail or drill bit? Since it will be fully hidden when glued back together, seems like it's worth a try to me! Thank you for teaching me so many incredible techniques and processes. I appreciate all of your videos!

[@woodandwandco]

Also concerning the leather, just like wood, it also has grain and grain direction! When carving leather, it is best to follow the grain for a smooth cut, so varying the direction of your cut much like you would do with wood!

[@MichaelDiaz-s4s]

I really appreciate attention to "Murphy's law". If there's a complication to be I identified it will happen. I truly appreciate your ingenuity and experience in addressing complicated repairs.

[@refiii9499]

Ugh I wish you posted this video 4-5 days ago lol. I’m restoring a solid maple hanging winged table. The side leafs hang when not in use. Anyways ea mortis joint had two tiny brad nails holding the mortis in place in very tight corners. The legs were spun on a lathe which makes very difficult for sanding the copes and intricate details. So the whole table needed to come apart and that drill around the Brad would have been perfect. Instead now all the wood kinda got butchered up and needs a lot more finish work to finish the project ugh lol. Love watching your videos I find so many good tricks.

[@FixingFurniture]

Oh, that's too bad. I'm glad to hear you're learning from our videos. I hope you subscribe. Cheers. Scott

[@refiii9499]

Yes I’ve subscribed a while ago. Thank you for all the help and advice.

[@barbaraperzanowska3412]

Beautiful piece of furniture. The end result obtained thanks to extensive knowledge, precision of workmanship, excellent instrumentation. Greetings from Poland

[@FixingFurniture]

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

[@danbraun3780]

You had a case where the finish nail was through the wood so both ends of the nail were exposed. In this case it's better to grab the pointed end and pull the head through the wood. When you remove the nail by hammering the point as you did (which seems like the logical way), the head coming out of the wood often causes damage to the finished side. I think I saw a little chip come out of the wood. You're a great teacher and craftsman. Thanks for your videos.

[@jeanine6492]

Amazing job!

[@katielin2379]

I enjoy seeing the quilt blocks being made, and quilt layout and assembly. There sure were a lot of goodies in the mystery box. Enjoy!

Agradeço muito sua ajuda...congratulation!

[@FixingFurniture]

De nada. Fico contente em ajudar. Scott 🇨🇦

[@patriciacrozier7624]

Unbelievable how much work it took to remove one little nail!

[@debluetailfly]

I have a similar chair. I replaced the seat; I think mine is a fiber faux pressed leather. I ground an ice pick into a tiny chisel to make clearance for pliers or pincers to pull nails if I cant get them out any other way. The little pincers, or end nippers, are hand forged ones my grandfather had. They get a good grip.

[@eduardomaia9855]

I really admire his ability to transmit learning and often make mistakes on purpose to show techniques to repair them, fantastic... in this restoration work, and just because it is a restoration and it is important to keep as many original things as possible, i was very sad not to having recovered the original seat, there could be a solution to put it on a new leather base and the chair kept all its identity, in the end the work was spectacular but... the new seat... don't match at all, but that's just my opinion... I'm sorry if I offended anyone with a contrary opinion. Thanks.

[@FixingFurniture]

No worries. Furniture restoration is part art, which means it’s subjective. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the seat repair. Scott

[@rosemaryblock7751]

Yes, the grain side of hide bevels smoother than the rougher flesh side very often. I'd have suggested finding a leathercrafting supply outlet (Tandy's is the biggest) for help with beveling and coloring or dying the edges to match the piece. ALWAYS STROP & POLISH LEATHER CUTTING TOOLS! Tandy's has a U-Tube channel, as does Weaver leather supply, Springfield Leather Co. & Maker's Leather supply.

[@larslindquist522]

Greta work on the chair, I learn a lot from your videos, thank you.. I have a comment, or maybe a question actually, when you glued the boards in the seat, you used hide glue, how come..? I most likely would have used PVA, since they should hopefully never come apart again, or am I missing something..?

[@FixingFurniture]

Hi Lars. Whenever I glue a woodworking joint together on an antique, I use hide glue. This allows someone in the future to take the piece part if it gets damaged. If I were to use PVA on the joints in the seat and it was to get damaged, it would likely have to be cut apart. I hope that answers your question. Cheers. Scott

[@patriciacrozier7624]

Great job it looks perfect to me.

[@RestorationAustralia]

Very nice, well done.😊

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers! Scott

[@pnwRC.]

I really enjoy your videos! I know I'll most likely never attempt any of the repairs you do here, but it's always entertaining to learn from you.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad to hear you enjoy them! Thank you for subscribing! Scott

[@lourias]

I swear you are working on my old rocker, but yours is black. Thank you for the details!

[@TUCKEROnX]

Great job I love your channel About the leather It will stretch and crack It needs some backing to prevent stretching as well as oil and wax to prevent cracking be generous with the oil specially at the backside

[@gotchacovered9038]

Great job! Sure adds info I need in my upholstery shop 😅

[@juliesheldon4772]

I really admire your work, again another beautiful piece of furniture. Thank you for sharing. I'm looking forward to using some of the techniques you teach.

[@revolutionofthekind]

I've learned so much from you and other skilled craft channels, you have no idea. I live in an apartment in a city, so theres no real way for me to do any big stufd, but just for little repairs around the apartment its been incredibly helpful! Also if you want a good leather working channel, it might seem a little out there, but one of the best i've seen so far is a book-making channel named Four Keys Book Arts. Not only does he create beautiful hand-crafted books, he is very in-depth on how to work with and treat leather!!

[@timdoyon1964]

Dude, you always do amazing work, but you knocked this project out of the park! The attention to detail you put into that piece is astonishing, especially the leather work. That was truly incredible! You saved that piece from extinction, and gave it a whole new lease on life! I’ve enjoyed your channel for quite some time now, but in this episode, you took it to a whole new level. I mean, watching you put a bevel on the edge of that leather was as suspenseful as a Hitchcock film! 🧐🕵️‍♂️

[@johnh5008]

I recommend Weaver Leather Supply for good products (tools and leather) as well as instructional videos, geared mainly to the beginner-intermediate. I really like their edge bevelers, which I bought after jamming the cheap Tandy one I originally had under one of my nails on the hand holding the work one too many times.

[@triplex86]

Another superb video. Many thanks for uploading such a long and detailed look at your careful restoration process.

[@hopokr]

On finishing nails, I use a plug cutter to drill around it, then I cut a new plug of the same wood if I have it to fill the hole. This allows me to orient the grain and blend it in. Good job on the old rocker.

[@goldenambience7346]

So simple and so complex. I love the way you explain your processes. Thank you!

[@FixingFurniture]

You are so welcome! Thank you for being a subscriber to our channel! Scott

[@mikefanelli545]

Scott, the best way to remove nails is to simply drive them all the way through, if possible. You can use another nail or even a punch to do it. This method will help to prevent damaging the wood surrounding the nail, and it will also prevent more repair work.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for the tip Mike. I will have to give that a try. Thank you for sharing that #tip

[@texanasimmons1761]

This is the 2nd project of yours that Ive scene and they are both enjoyable. My 1st project I watched was the roll top desk. I love how gentle, careful but thorough you work. Ive subscribed to your channel!

[@Brian-Burke]

Incredible work, Scott! It was great seeing you figure out the leather work in real-time. I have a question. How would you handle a situation where a joint was rock solid but it also had a finishing nail in it? Again, kudos to a job well done!

[@FixingFurniture]

Good question Brian! It's a judgement call of either causing damage to remove the nail or leave it to potentially have the joint loosen in the future... I suggest leaving it. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Scott

[@SallyT269]

Don Gonzales (saddle maker) has some great leather tooling tutorial episodes.

[@Craftlngo]

you could probably use an annular drill bit with an inner diameter slightly larger than the nail to drill the nails out. It will leave a much cleaner hole that can get fixed with a fitting dowel

[@bluecurlygirl]

This was a joy to watch. Great to see you expanding your skills too. Darbin Orvar has done a few videos on working with leather. You might find them useful.

[@FixingFurniture]

Cool, thanks Emer! I will check out Darbin Orvar. Thank you for your support as well by being a subscriber! Scott

[@bluecurlygirl]

@@FixingFurniture My pleasure Scott.