Windsor rush seat repair

I'm conceited enough to think, given time, I could figure out how to re-do the seat weave, but am certain enough to know I won't even try.  
Of course, if you've got a lot of time on your hands . . . .

Google Chair seat weaving. There are lots of books out there. One that came out, Thriftbooks. is under $10.00. I have restored many chairs over the years. It is often very tedius but relaxing. It took me a full 8 hours to replace a woven cane chair with 70 holes

Also, they sell natural rush and synthetic rush. The natural looks better but will take significantly more effort. I have only used the synthetic rush.

@rlipeles,

Thanks, I'll see if I can score a copy of the book. I'm guessing that when I take off all the old stuff, it's going to start to make sense.

Cheers,
Ellis

Depending on the look you want, with the seat rush removed, it would be a good time to give  the chair a steel wooling followed by a  coat of tung oil.

@rlipeles,

Will do. Thanks.

If you Google you will find an actual go-by --likely, in the past. I did for a similar technique on a similar adult chair. Hopefully, you have a similar varnish to the original. Contrary to current assumptions it is not milk paint.

@rlipeles,

If you have forgotten your passphrase, you can reset here:
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Ellis, I'm not sure it would be the look you are after but you might also consider weaving the seat with Danish cord. An internet search will show images and sources. It might be easier to work with than rush stems. I've never used either so I'll stand in the back row.

@Bruce McCrory,
I figure the original finish would probably have been some spirit varnish, although that's not likely what the manufacturer of this chair used. I'll probably tone the wood lightly and wipe on a very thin coat of some modern varnish. Unless somebody comes up with a better suggestion...

Added later 01 min 16 s:

@Gary Radice,
Yeah, it is a question of how authentic I want to get on a production piece. I'll look up that cord. Easier works for me. Thanks
E

There are a multitude of rush and cane repair videos on Youtube if you prefer that mode of learning.

Lots on YouTube:  Ignore the "unavailable" messages.  They are all on line - I just checked.

[2024-04-30 21:45:22 Fixed URLs --admin]

https://youtu.be/fiBNjEIn1tY?si=XA8w8rikfG5-cHaz
https://youtu.be/fiBNjEIn1tY?si=1vSHg90KDSSfn6j8
https://youtu.be/dD1e6px6AZc?si=vW7OAWgAzM56pfic
https://youtu.be/NQkE05DD9_Y?si=D47IlRO4aPUjjail
https://youtu.be/HzxiesuJo1U?si=n6tHVQrqrukpnDEW
https://youtu.be/pnUmOwwyMmg?si=0wU9i6Kcut1oKSH2
https://youtu.be/zk-J-FvaHxQ?si=OpPIYgA46r7l4fk5
https://youtu.be/e-ORhEE9VVg?si=NM6VAnyHKlx_oHda

@Joe Fleming,
Thanks for the videos, Joe. I've now figured out how these lessons apply to the seat construction of my chair. I'll post progress as soon as I have something to report.

Ellis

Looking at the picture, you have a rectangle.  This simplifies the process a lot.  I've made several rectangular footstools with fiber rush.  You can use a stapler or tacks for starting and ending.  I do use some home made wedges for pressing the fiber tight.  I have a pointy dowel for opening the center hole.  I use spring clamps to secure the fiber rush as I go around the stool.  I have a stack of precut cardboard triangles for fillers.  I try to do the seat in one sitting so that I do not have to deal with the drying and re-wetting of the fiber rush over multiple sessions.  I have actually unwound a partial seat two times to start over in an attempt to do it in one sitting.  Don't over-soak the fiber rush.  It will become mushy and break easily.

Keep in mind that fiber rush is really like strips of brown grocery bags twisted up into a string.  If you cut a strand and unwind it, you will see that.  

You can get fiber rush in a few diameters.  I think my fiber was 6/32.  Next seats will be smaller diameter.  I think it looks better.    I bought most of my supplies from these guys.  Very helpful:  https://seatweaving.org/store/fiber-rush.html.  I have their little book too.  I have also shopped from these guys:  (Frank's)  https://www.franksupply.com/caning/rush-and-supplies.html.  Also very helpful on the phone answering questions.