Asian Hardwoods

[byhammerandhand]

Yes, I've seen some plastic components.   Most often in heavily "carved" pieces that are simply molded.   Mirror frames, decorative moldings on casegoods, trim on barstools that shattered when hit, etc.

Most of this I've seen has been on bottom quality tier furniture.   Why pay a guy or gal $30 a week to carve a scroll if you can cast resin out all day long?

The worst I ever saw was a job where the cabriole leg broke off a marble top cocktail table when the owner moved it to clean underneath.   It was hollow fiberglass with a 1x1x4 strip of wood along the top just to tie in the threaded fasteners.  I wondered how on earth I'd ever be able to repair this.   I called the manufacturer and they would send me a new leg, postpaid, for $10.   I'd have more than $10 worth of materials in it, along with hours of time.

In my opinion, cast resin is not very repairable.   Sure you can fill here and there but if it cracks, splits, etc.  good luck trying to find a glue to hold it, nails or screws to hold it, etc.