Re: La Z Boy Recliner keeps breaking a dowel that holds the base on
I can't address your specific question to the La-Z-Boy, however when using any kind of wood dowel there are guidelines to follow otherwise they will fail:
1) You ALWAYS glue a dowel. A non-glued dowel is useless.
2) Once glued, you must clamp it and let it dry. If you can't use a corner clamp or C-clamp, then a webbing clamp like a ratchet strap,etc. If you want a strong joint, it has to be clamped after glued and set.
3) Never "test-fit" a dowel or mortise and tenon joint. The test fit makes them less tight. If you are reusing an existing joint (sounds like you are) then you must drill the hole to a slightly larger size and get new dowels in the correct size. Use fluted dowels as they hold more glue.
4) If a dowel slips in easily, its too loose. They should have to be tapped in with a rubber mallet. Tight is right. Put the glue on them, tap them in, clamp them, and they will work as designed.
Last edited by drcollie; 03-16-2021 at 03:26 PM.
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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