Help needed with repairing Bentwood chairs

[PeterAdams]

LOOKING FOR ADVICE,

I have 12 bentwood dining 'Cafe chairs' to repair.  I am trying to locate a supplier of round plywood replacement seats. These could be either with a pressed pattern, or pierced with holes. You advice wold be appreciated.

[Remarka6le]

Hey @PeterAdams , welcome to the Bunnings workshop community. It's great to have you here. 

Just in regards to a supplier, do you mind letting us know where you are based? Members might have an easier time suggesting a local buyer if they're in a similar area.  

[EricL]

Hello @PeterAdams

Have you considered using Feast Watson 1L Woodclean? It's a powerful, oxalic acid-based preparation treatment that aids the removal of oils, mould, stains and tannins from new and weathered timber. Ideal for rejuvenating grey, weathered timber. If the seats are still in reasonable condition perhaps it's worth the effort of restoring them.

I suggest using a soft bristle brush to prevent damaging the pressed pattern on the wood. I don't recommend sanding it as it will make the pressed pattern even more difficult to see. Please make sure to wear safety goggles a dust mask and gloves when using the Feast Watson Woodclean. I also recommend having a quick look at this discussion - How to restore salvaged wicker/cane/bamboo/rattan furniture? by @ME_1. 

If parts of the seat are starting to splinter away, I suggest glueing them together with Selleys 250mL Aquadhere PVA Wood Glue Exterior Adhesive and clamping them with Craftright 300mm 2 Piece Quick Action Clamp. If you feel that the seat itself is getting soft you can also spray it with Earl's 250ml Wood Hardener to restore the strength of the wood. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Adam_W and @TheRenoDad for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. 

Eric

[PeterAdams]

I am located in Katoomba, Blue Mountains, NSW

I make Windsor Chairs and restore antique furniture.

Regards

Peter

[PeterAdams]

Hi Eric,

I am an extensive user of Feast Watson products

Peter

[MitchellMc]

Hi @PeterAdams,

Have you considered creating a jig and cutting these out yourself? You could rough cut them with a jigsaw and then tidy them up with a router table and jig. That would give you plenty of flexibility when it comes to the size and thickness of the seats.

Mitchell

[PeterAdams]

Thank you. Yes this is the way I will do it.  I was hoping they were still being produced, (20 years ago they were still available)

Regards

Peter