Greetings from my favorite furry friend Bear!
 |
| Photo: SHS |
The summary of last weeks work is that nails used in ways unanticipated by the blog chair frame’s designer damage the integrity of its structure. Today we document some of the damage.
In this first photo the webbing is pictured how I found it; metal straps placed over the jute.
 |
| Photo: SHS |
Next the metal is removed and just the vinyl strips and jute remain. Recall that these thin vinyl strips were nailed through the webbing and into the inner sides of the frame.
 |
| Photo: SHS |
Finally, all the quick fixes are removed and we can see how the webbing bulges down from the wood frame.
 |
| Photo: SHS |
This is a direct result of releasing the metal strapping and vinyl strips used to shore it up. Re-webbing plus re-installing and retying the springs would have been the proper way fix the sagging webbing, but that takes more time and effort.
Recall that both of the "quick fix" efforts drove more nails deeper into the chair’s frame and at angles unforeseen by its designer. In this photo of the under side of the back seat rail, notice the large crack extending from the right and spreading left towards the center. This occurred over time as nails were repeatedly driven into the wood.
 |
| Photo: SHS |
Notice the placement of the last nail head on the right side of the webbing. It is below the crack. This leads me to believe that the crack to the frame existed for quite some time. The damage was obvious and the nail placed under it to keep the crack from spreading further. This had to be done by the last person to web the chair
Also playing into this picture are heat and humidity. The wood is dry and there is very little moisture left in its fiber. It was probably stored in an attic or placed near a heat vent when in use. I would have preferred storage in a barn as there would have been more humidity present. The lack of moisture in the wood causes it to crack more easily, especially when all those nails are used.
Also playing into this picture are heat and humidity. The wood is dry and there is very little moisture left in its fiber. It was probably stored in an attic or placed near a heat vent when in use. I would have preferred storage in a barn as there would have been more humidity present. The lack of moisture in the wood causes it to crack more easily, especially when all those nails are used.
Further evidence of parched dried wood is in the use of extremely long staples by the chair’s most recent upholsterer technician; used to apply the decorative fabric.
 |
| Photo: SHS |
These staples are 5/8” long. The industry standard is 3/8” long. The added 1/4” penetration helps the fabric stay put but also damages the chair further by forcing the staples further into the wood and spreading its fibers.
Undoubtedly I will discover more damage as I remove the rest of the cover.
So the moral of the today's story is? Understand the importance of employing an upholsterer who understands that she/he should repair your frame before attempting to recover it.
Love your dog,..and give him something yummy to chew on!
Link up at LinkedIn
For more on the wood's qualities and how people crafted in the medium, see John T. Kirk's, American Furniture, Understanding Styles, Construction and Quality, New York, Harry N. Abrams. Section 2, pp 17-25.
Undoubtedly I will discover more damage as I remove the rest of the cover.
Love your dog,..and give him something yummy to chew on!
Theresa
Yummy Furniture and Design
theresamhs@sbcglobal.net
Connect with me at Facebook Link up at LinkedIn
For more on the wood's qualities and how people crafted in the medium, see John T. Kirk's, American Furniture, Understanding Styles, Construction and Quality, New York, Harry N. Abrams. Section 2, pp 17-25.
No comments:
Post a Comment