I have two chairs that have grooves in the bottom that will make it difficult to tie off strands. In the past I have used some rock hard water putty to fill in an area or two to make the bottom flat. I have many grooves to fill. I would appreciate any suggestions. They are family chairs. Although I am a member of the guild, I am a hobbiest and do not do work for hire. I am certain this is probably not an uncommon problem.
Thanks, Jim Randall
This is a somewhat common occurrence Beverly. From your picture it also looks like the area hole-to-hole has been broken in places as well. If so, those areas must be repaired / stabilized / before anything else is done. Once any repairs are completed, my approach is to cane the seat, catching as many strands as possible with the strands that follow, and making no knots until the entire seat is completely woven. Then when the final step (spline, edge cover, whatever you care to call it) is wrapped into place, the strand that loops to hold the spline in place is used to secure any hanging cane strands along the groove to the very end. The final peg to hold the spline ends should secure them, and only one knot needs to be forced through the cane strands in the groove. Not easy to do, but not impossible. Hopefully this makes some sense.
Mical