Maybe the edge isn't round enough. There should be a much rounder edge than when caning, minimum 1/4 inch radius if the frame is flat. If the cane hasn't been soaked long enough, then it will break fibers when you bend it around the edge. It may not show it when you do the work but will be weak. Wooden splints (oak, ash, hickory) need to be soaked, or even better, steamed, much longer than flat reed(an hour or more). I don't think the finish will make it break unless you really slathered it on very thick. Also, check your material. If it was over-bleached it will be brittle. If it is too thin, send it back and insist on thicker material. I have gotten some that is paper thin, not good. Don't try to pull splint extra tight, it needs some room to flex.
I recently got a chair back after less than a year because the splint snapped along the edge of the frame. Almost like it had been cut. I had sealed it with orange shellac to get the color they... more
Jan, In the 35+ years I've been weaving, I've seen this happen MANY times, that's why I always try to convince the customer to use something other than flat reed splint. This breaking has only... more
One of my mantras is never use an inflexible finish on a flexible seat. Hard, surface floating finishes like Shellac, lacquer and traditional polyurethane wont flex with the seat as it is used and... more
As a relative newbie (15 years) I had never thought of giving customers written instructions. That's a great idea. I usually know what to say when customers ask questions but the written ones are... more
You can read my care sheets on my Facebook page and Cathryn has something similar at her WickerWoman web site. We recommend using them as templates for your own care sheets. After all you may... more
Thanks Mindy, I'll check those out. I don't feel like a newbie doing hand cane or pressed cane. I now feel comfortable with fiber rush, thanks to help from a couple of other caners. I feel most like... more
mindy, some of us are not yet into the 21st century and don't "do" Facebood...! could/would you please post your care sheets in some other format? i give my customers care sheets but would love to... more
Larry, Mindy probably has all her care sheets posted to her website like I do, so check that out. http://www.ChairWeaver.com The Wicker Woman®--Cathryn Peters... more
Actually I don't have them there yet but will soon. In the mean time Larry and I have exchanged care sheets via Email. if anyone else wants so see them send me a message. clicking on my name in blue... more
You're welcome Larry, that's what we're here for--help, advice and sharing all aspects of chair seat weaving, since 2004. Truly the Seatweaving & Chair Caning Forum--The Caner's Community Hub™ The... more
It was Cathryn's forum and the openness in sharing information that inspired the SeatWeavers' Guild. When I called for the formation of the SeatWeavers' Guild in 2007 right here, the belief shared by ... more
Thanks, all. I am reweaving it (at no charge, of course >:( ) and I had thought to find an oil stain to match the color. Doesn't Danish oil have to rubbed in? And wouldn't that rough up the edges of... more
the reed will soak up any oil finish like a sponge, but you may want to pat off any excess after a few minutes an beware oily rags can spontaneously combust so lay them over a saw horse or on a... more
when i first learned caning from a fellow named cliff pair he showed me a formulae that he had used for the thirty or so years he had been caning and i use it on splint and have never had a customer... more