Replies

1. 
   ring | Sep 19, 2006 09:42pm | #1

   I've had only limited experience with this but found that an overnight soak is fine.  This is enough to soften it.  As the rattan dries out it will shrink just a bit to tighten the seat, so don't worry about getting it absolutely taut.  I definitely recommend doing a small practice piece all the way through to the end before you take on your (I assume) valuable chair.

   DR

2. 
   oldusty | Sep 19, 2006 10:39pm | #2

   Ron ,

              A 1/4" bit works well and if you can about 3/8" deep plus or minus a bit is fine . Get the spline to match the 1/4" groove first in case you haven't yet just to make sure you rout the correct size .

          Like Ring I like to soak the cane overnight even though all written material say's several hours . If the seat is say 16 x 16" I would use a piece 18" square . Make some wedge shaped pieces out of Pine or Alder or something rather soft . You really don't want to pound the cane in , rather push it down with the wedges .Trim with a sharp utility razor against the out side of the groove then lay glue in and tap the spline in .

                  good  luck         dusty

   
   

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   Edited 9/19/2006 4:19 pm ET by oldusty

1. 
   user-204763 | Sep 20, 2006 10:04pm | #3

   Thanks guys.  this is really helpful