Many amateurs melt glue in an old tin over a fire, and more often than not it burns and is of little use. The only way to ensure proper preparation is by using a glue-pot. This article has two chambers, one suspended in the other. The larger is three parts filled with hot water while the smaller contains Scotch glue, broken in small fragments, and a little water. When so arranged, the solution can never burn so long as water is present in the outer receptacle. The glue, when sufficiently melted, should be liquid enough to run slowly off the stick for applying it. If it drops off rapidly it is too thin, and when it is thick and difficult to spread it requires more heating or more water.
When making a join, see that the fractured pieces fit properly. If they have already been stuck with some adhesive, wash away all traces before making a second attempt. A hard-glued surface will refuse to take the new solution. It is a good idea to warm the pieces to be stuck in order that the adhesive be not chilled. Paint the fractured surfaces and press them together with the fingers. In so doing, see that most of the glue is squeezed out. For small joins glue one side of a sheet of brown paper and fix to the mended parts. Wet the upper side of the paper. This plaster will help to pull the pieces together. Where large joins are concerned, they may need nailing as well as gluing. Make the holes necessary for these before applying the glue but insert the nails or screws afterwards.
To repair the rails and legs of a chair, paint the joins with hot glue and press the parts into position. Then tie firmly, and tighten by twisting the string with a wooden lath. If a chair leg is broken diagonally, place the broken pieces together and bore three or four holes with a fine gimlet so that each hole penetrates both portions of the fracture. Insert screws, and when each has been properly driven home remove them. Glue the broken parts, press them together and re-insert the screws. When the seat of a chair works loose, glue the joints and screw an iron L-piece at each of the four corners, on the underside. Use short, stumpy screws.