Furniture repair question

Hey all.

Recently I acquired a Paul McCobb credenza. It had one issue. Well 2 if you count a little sun bleaching.

The main issue is that the left front leg is a little weak. I was going to take it off, reglue it, and then reattach the screws, but the main bolt holding it on is stripped. I could drill out the main bolt with one of those bits made for getting stripped screws out, but tbh I feel like I could damage the leg.

Also I cant get the leg to go flush with the bolt installed in there now, and I cant imagine getting it out will change that. I feel like some wood is missing and if the leg was pushed flush, the bolt would no longer align.

So my plan is to get some gorrilla heavy duty construction adhesive and push it inside with a putty knife and then clamp it and let it set. Then scrap out any expanded and try to get the color as close as possible. Wont be perfect, but I think it would be good enough and strong. There will also be 2 side screws going in on the leg for additional support. The legs are built to look delicate, and that makes them, well, delicate.

My question is if anyone has any suggestions on another material to use besides the gorrilla HD const. Would love a heavy duty wood product I could stain close to the color.

Here is a pic to show the leg.

 

Also here is a pic of a fully restored version of this credenza. Ill do a full pic of mine later. Its on its back with drawers/shelving out atm.

 

Hi FWIW, more pics would help to fully understand what your up against. If you can remove the leg with out damaging anything and include pics of the area in question. I've made a number of repairs on older pieces and have had great success. Please don't use gorilla HD construction advise.

 

Thats the issue. The screw head is stripped and I am afraid that tapping into it with a drill to get it out will damage the leg. I am really hopping I can get some type of leveling strong compound into the gap there with a putty knife to set and then reinforce with screws.

That possible? the space between the leg and the credenza is flat and had been glued at one point.

 

here are more pics

 

I got it, I don't think you'd get enough adhesive in the gap to get a strong joint. generally surfaces where wood glues are applied need to clean so glue can penitrate the wood. Depending on your skill, tools you have available I would remove the failed screw. Maybe 1 more pic showing failed screw, I can't see it from your additional pics.

 

Agrees
What's wrong with using a professional who has the tools & expertise to repair correctly.

 

What if I whittled down a square piece of wood to slide in the gap and glue on both sides? I could also meticulously clean the glue off inside with a scraper.

The main issue is I feel like tapping the screw with a drill and then backing it out may not only damage the leg, but wont gain anything because I still wont be able to go flush to the wood with the leg. For some reason the bolt itself prevents the leg from going up anymore as if there is some wood missing between the leg and bottom of the credenza.

 

Almost looks like the main screw you are describing is bent pulling the leg back and down with it. Seems @Michael77 is on the right track - if you can get the leg off and clean up all that glue then you will have a better idea what needs to be done. Looks like somebody already tried a crappy repair - better to get rid of that one and start fresh.

 

And yes it does look like its been repaired before. I do see a crack in leg which should also be address.

 

I am with the others. Remove the leg and repair it correctly.

 

I ordered a bit to get the screw out. Will post some pics once it comes in and I get it out. Thanks for the advice all

 

For general information and techniques you may want to watch a few YouTube videos by Thomas Johnson Antique Restorations. He deals with this sort of issue all the time and has many different approaches that preserve the integrity of the piece.

 

Agrees, has seen a few of his videos, informative and a funny guy plus most of his restorations are middle of the road middle market antiques & even vintage (old) furniture.
Almost every town in america has one or more of these kinda guys/gals, furniture that is used is furniture that is going to need repairs at some point. Why not cut to the chase and hire one? It's what i do, ditto for my car, appliances, etc.

 

I agree that he is informative - but FUNNY? I think his alpaca and the frog in his pool have more personality than good ole' Tom.................but I enjoy him any way.

 

FWIW, if it's in your budget to have it done by a pro I would suggest that. If not and your up for honing your skills go for it. I recommend doing further research and take it slow if you value the piece. Nothing worse than jacking up a piece you really like. As stated in above Thomas Johnson Antique Restorations is a great resource. You can always post your questions somebody here is always willing to help.

 

Well, he has a chicken? i think in some of the vids i have seen so funny in an odd duck sort of way., entertaining would probably be a better word
Yeah, i like him as well, FUNNY GUY!

 

Agrees, doesn't appear to need a lot of work but it's easy as pie to make a mess of things if not familiar or not the right tools at hand.