In my experience epoxy glue (a two part glue like Araldite, but not the
rapid setting 5 minute one!)) would be the best glue to use- use liberally
to ensure all gaps are filled and make sure all surfaces 'wetted'. Large
gaps need filling with wood wedges, care not to bang wedges in and split the
wood. Clean up with a cloth dipped in acetone before the glue sets fully
(acetone may damage any finish on the wood so use carefully). You could use
PVA glue, but I haven't found it much good if there are any traces of old
glue in the joint. There is a 'Chair Doctor' glue which you can inject
direct into the joint if it is still in one piece, but if very loose I'd be
cautious.
Francis

"Mike Barnes" wrote in message
...
I've an old dining chair, elm I think, that's coming apart and I want to
know how best to put it back together again. I haven't got much in the
way of tools or expertise so I hope it's not too hard.

The legs are splayed out at an angle of about ten degrees, and there's a
H-shaped brace to stop them spreading. The legs and braces, which are
all round in section, are simply glued into sockets. Over the years one
of the legs has come loose, and the resulting strain has made two of the
braces come out of their sockets. I guess the sockets were once tight
but things have obviously been waggling around for a few years and have
been worn into a more round shape than they probably started off.

My first thought is to glue it all back together again but it seems to
be asking a lot of glue to hold the braces in place if one of the legs
isn't *very* firmly fixed in place under the seat.

Any ideas?

--
Mike Barnes