Originally Posted by
Xanthorrhoeas
Hi Deane,
Welcome to the forum. We are a mixed bunch with many and varied opinions, sometimes at complete odds so you will have to pick your way.
If your rocking chair is old or antique there are a lot of things you need to be aware of and that will help rather than hinder you. For a start most antique finishes that you will encounter are shellac based so are easy to repair*.
Virtually all old rocking chairs will be glued together with animal hide/hoof and hide glue. It is good stuff and easy to re-glue BUT do not try to use a modern adhesive with it unless you want your wife and baby on the floor. If you do not want to go to the trouble of the old fashioned glue pot Carbatec sell an easy to use liquid hide glue that can bond to the original. Have a look at the restoration forum for some ideas and principal sponsor U-Beaut sells a good book and products to repair shellac finishes (I have not met him and have no affiliation, financial or otherwise).
*If your finish is shellac (check with metho) you do not need to remove the old. Just add new shellac and it freshens it up.