I am currently trying to replace the cane back of a chair that has many curves. It used to be "hand done", but now is routed out and needs mesh instead. My problem is that it's quite difficult to achieve a nice and tight finish - instead I am getting looseness in several areas.
Any advice would be welcome!
Just a quick repeat: Anyone interest in purchasing a "caning nail" should contact me directly with name and address. A "caning nail" will be shipped with payment expected at the time of receipt. Please email <chrperson at aol dot com> if you would like one of my tools.
The caning nail (stainless steel 'nail' at the bottom of your pictures) is available. The price is $25 (includes shipping.) The looped wire with handle is available from Jim Widess, author of The Caners Handbook. Please email me directly for completing your order. <chrperson at aol.com>
Mical
@wayne.davies Do you have a picture of your project?
I've done the same, using a piece of spline one size narrower than the "finish" spline to hold pressed cane in place before it is completely installed and ready for its "finish" spline.
. I don't have pictures of restoring seats to hand-woven from routed out pressed cane. I haven't done this too often, and I think it's pretty obvious how to do this. My "procedure" is to fill the routed area with spline, glued into place, to completely fill the routed area. Then, once the glue is set -- from the underside toward the top -- I re-drill the original holes. If the resulting holes are somewhat "splintered" on the top side of the seat, I smooth their edges along the top with a "burr" or with a slightly larger drill bit that will chamfer them just a bit and smooth them. Tedious, but not difficult to do.
I have used short pieces of spline to hold the webbing in place as I work. Once you have used your wedge to tap into place, the spline holds it nicely and is easy I remove when you’re done.
Can you post a picture? It may help.
Since Jill didn't actually comment on this, I'll add my 2 cents. One possibility with these chairs, where hand cane has been routed for pressed / mesh cane, you can return the chair to hand cane (fill groove, re-drill for caning) and then cane by hand. Alternatively, you need to work with well-soaked and pliable mesh cane, and with wedges that hold the cane firmly as you work with it. I usually peg at the "low" spots first, then at the "high" spots. Adjusting as I go. Some looseness in mesh cane is to be expected as it is pressed into place. Followed by glue and spline. Left to dry overnight, or for even 24 hours, usually tightens it nicely. -- Hope this is helpful.
I see you did not get a response to your question. This forum is new. We will get better at using it.
I know it is way past your need but I would like to follow up to see if you solved your problem or still need help. Jill. You may email me direct if you prefer At jwoods.enterprises@gmail.com