How to Fix Broken Wooden Maple Chair Spindles

Replace broken chair spindles to look authentic.

You can fix a broken maple chair spindle by replacing the spindle with a strong, new piece of wood. If you still have the broken spindle, you may be able to use it as a pattern for getting the proper dimensions for the new part. Although the original spindle may have been turned on a lathe, you can shape a replacement with a few sharp hand tools and a vise.

Things You'll Need

• Froe
• Hatchet
• Wooden mallet
• Measuring tape
• Calipers
• Draw-knife
• Spokeshave

Instructions

1. Select maple stock that is similar to the damaged spindle.

2. Use a froe, wooden mallet and hatchet to split 1-inch by 1-inch pieces of maple. Beat the blade of the froe into the wood at 1-inch intervals with a wooden mallet. Use the hatchet to cut through any fibers that do not separate.

3. Measure the dimensions of your broken spindle with a measuring tape and calipers.

4. Place one piece of 1-inch by 1-inch wood into a vise.

5. Shape the spindle with a sharp draw-knife. Transfer your measurements as you remove wood slowly to form a new spindle.

6. Whittle slightly over-sized tenons on the ends of the spindles. Make the tenons 1.25-inch long and fashion eight facets around the perimeter of the tenon. These slight angled facets will fit snugly in the sockets of the seat and chair back.

Tips & Warnings

• Stain or paint the new spindle so it matches the color of the original.

References

• "American Woodworker:; Make a Windsor Side Chair; Michael Dunbar; February 1992
• Windsor Chairmaking Resources: Windsor Chairmaking Process
• Wood Central: Making a Windsor Chair with Michael Dunbar