Q:

I miscut the length of my chair’s legs, and now it wobbles. What’s the best way to fix it?

John Wasserman, Austin, TX

A:

I recut wobbly legs with a flushcut saw and a guide that rests on a flat surface like a tablesaw. Balance the chair on the saw and add a blob of hot glue to a side of all four legs—even the one that is raised slightly—to freeze the chair in  position. Then build a guide using a piece of scrap barely thicker than the largest gap under the legs and notch it to fit around the leg. Saw around each leg, then move the chair and finish the cuts. Chamfer the ends with a rasp when you’re done.

Start with a flat surface. Use a splotch of hot-melt glue to lock the chair in position on the tablesaw.

Use the guide. Cut lightly around all four legs with a flush-cut saw, and then clamp the chair elsewhere to finish the cuts.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Bessey K-Body Parallel-Jaw Clamp

The 3 3/4" deep parallel jaws allow for all types of clamping, from thin panels to joinery.

Buy at Amazon

Jorgensen 6 inch Bar Clamp Set, 4 Pack

Small light-duty clamps are best bought in quantity. These clamps are a great balance of affordability and quality—so stock up!

Buy at Amazon