Are you having problems installing the rattan reed spline in a cane seat with a curved groove to secure the cane webbing?
Well, then, stay tuned and read on for the solution to your problem!
Thanks to Jan Noall, chair caning expert from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, listed on the Furniture Repair Directory in the Seatweaving category and member of The SeatWeavers’ Guild, Inc.® for this chair caning tip:
When replacing sheet cane on a seat frame that curves from front to back or side to side, make inverted “V” clipped cuts on the bottom side of the spline throughout the length of the curve.
This will enable you to ease the spline into the groove (along with the glue), following the curve of the chair so it will stay in place and not pop out.
This technique eliminates the need for clamps around the curved areas, as in the normal method of installation of cane webbing with curves in the groove.
It is especially helpful when applying spline to the curved backs or sides of Breuer Cesca Chairs, barrel chairs, Lincoln rocker backs, and dining room chairs.
Thank you, Jan, for this wonderful chair caning tip; we always appreciate your chair caning insight!
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Happy Weaving, until next time!
My husband and I replaced our wicker chairs but I believe the spline was too narrow and sunk in deeper than it should looks funny. Is there anything we can put on top of it to fill it in?
Oh, Sharon, I’m so sorry this happened to your spline cane chair seat. First of all, is the glue completely dry in the groove?
If not, then there’s a solution I can give you. Bear in mind that it’s not the best solution but might do in a real pinch.
After gently and carefully removing the spline without breaking or damaging it, you can lay down a cotton welting cord (used in upholstery) all around the groove.
Be sure to use a small diameter cord because you are going to add back the spline on top of the cord and perhaps some more glue, too.
So you don’t want it to be raised up above the groove frame now, either.
Tamp down the spline again being very careful to not damage the spline and be sure to wipe up any glue spillage immediately with a warm, wet cloth.
Hopefully, this will solve your problem but I must admit it’s kinda drastic and not going to be easy. Use this as a lesson of what not to do in the future!
Be sure to always measure the width and depth of the groove before making your spline purchase so you have the correct size for your project.
All of the suppliers on my Cane and Basket Supplies Directory™ that sell spline, also have charts that you can go by to select the right gauge spline.
Hope this helps, let me know how it turns out.