Since the load on each leg is 1/4 of the entire load, you need to make sure it can resist at least that much weight- the chair is only as good as its weakest part, which in this case is the leg.
I suspect that the cut is not "clean"? You can always try to re-glue the pieces like a puzzle with some wood glue or a suitably strong glue that works on wood, but that may not be give you enough load bearing capacity on the leg. What I would do is find a small metal mending plate with holes in it. The plate can be attached over both sides of the "split" and nailed into place, kind of like a bandage. Try a hardware store and see what types of plates are availabe. If the plate is on all sides of the leg you will get a stronger bind.
That may look unappealing, however, but it is more likely to do the trick.
The other solution is to have a brand new leg made and re-fitted.
Alex H., June 2007
