Eames Lounge Chair 670 help  

Photos would help, but I'd reinforce the repair with a couple of layers of E-glass on the top (under the cushion) side. Simply gluing the fractured plies won't restore adequate structural integrity. Procedure is a little tricky, but not difficult if you're "handy". Follow up if you need additional advice.

I've seen this type of damage on these before. I think it's probably caused by a heavier person sitting on an arm.

Thank you for the reply tktoo. I tried uploading pictures but they didn

Ah, yes, I see now. That definitely needs fixing.

I'd use West System 105/205, two layers of 6 oz. E-glass cloth laid bi-axially, peel-ply, and do the whole thing all at once.

You'll need to pry out the T-nuts first and plug the holes so they don't leak resin and figure out a clamping strategy that will keep everything flat. Lots of good instruction/advice on the West System site if you're not experienced with fiberglass layups.

tk, great advice, but whoa, the only way I understood any of that is because I fixed fiberglass sailboats for years.

EAguilar, did you catch all of that? You should be fine if you are handy with the internet, and general repair-type things. Make sure you mask everything off, you dont want epoxy on anything except the exact area you are working. You definitely dont want it on that bottom rosewood veneer, since you wont be able to sand it off easily. Mixing up epoxy is always messy, with the stir stick and small plastic cup, so make sure you have acetone handy throughout the process. It also would probably be to your benefit to use a thickener, like silica. I would tape the holes on both sides, as the tape will just blend in with the laminate, and you will have to drill the hole out afterwards anyways. Practice laying glass up on something similar, one or two times before you start on the chair itself. Materials are cheap, other than the epoxy, which you be able to buy in the small mount you need anyways. Lastly, make sure you keep it reasonably thin, you are giong to have to get that cover back on.

Finally, in other cases, when you need to glue wood, tightbond (I, II, and III) wood glue is as good as just about anything else to make repairs. Epoxy is fine on normal breaks, but usually overkill, and far more expensive and time consuming than it needs to be. Good luck!

Thanks gentlemen. I appreciate the advice. I have a general idea of how to do it. I was kind of hoping just gluing and clamping the break would take care of it. What leng and width should I strive for with the e glass?

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I should clarify, these shock mounts were reglued at some point due to the poor glue job and 2 holes on one of the sides.

I am certainly not an expert in repair of Eames lounge chairs, just someone who did a lot of fiberglass work a few years back. Of course, I still collect and refinish Danish, and some American, mid-century designs, but by no means am I an 'expert' when it comes to repairing this design. Therefore, I cant be of much help on your specific shock mount questions.

Just gluing the crack may work for a time, but will eventually fail since you cannot ensure wetting all surfaces of the wood. This means there will be inconsistencies in bonding, and conditions favoring the crack to return and spread. If you dont mind having to take it apart again, when it does crack again, then you could certainly try gluing first. Of course, you also risk cracking the plywood all the way through when the glue joint does fail. I am a pretty big person, so I know that if I was going to do it, I would make the structural corrections now, rather than risk it.

It would take me half a day to type out a detailed list of all the steps required for my plan and I just can't spare the time today. But, realistically, repairing the cracked shell would take about 4 hours in my shop exclusive of total cure time (4-6 hrs under clamps but a week before sitting on it) or adhering new shock mounts. Of course I have a well-equipped workshop, all necessary materials already on hand, and some experience with this type of repair...

Zephyr, you know the drill and I'm happy to hand it off to you, man. But this could be one of those cases where it might be best to take it to a local shop that knows their stuff. A boat yard that specializes in wooden craft or someone that builds stripper canoes/kayaks might be ideal.

EAguilar, where are you located?

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I am not looking to carry any torches tk, just figured I would throw in some of the things I have run into previously with fiberglass work. If it were strictly a wood repair issue, I would probably have more to add, but having never messed with the Eames lounge shells, I would only be speculating.

If it were mine, I would probably give it a go myself, but that would also mean I got it for a steal and was not apt to lose much of my initial investment (not that there is a ton of original value left after a repair like this). I am also an engineer, and my daily job is to solve problems that I may not have any experience with at first encounter, so I am not afraid of challenges either.

Good luck EAguilar, sounds like you have the right attitude to be successful here, let us know how it goes.

@EAguilar: It's a doable repair if you've got basic tools and skills, but it would require a minor investment in time and materials. Assuming you've not overpaid to acquire the chair, it might be worth getting an estimate from Alfie. Among the best and has treated me well in the past, but he does run a business...

http://humemodern.com/

Thanks again for all the advice. If anyone want to chime in too I