Wicker Seat damage repair

[Hudson Carpentry]

Been asked to renovate a rocking chair. The frame needs stripping and the seat and back rest has damage.

Now is this a specialist job (wicker seat and back rest) or can you get hold of "sheets" of this wicker design. I have googled for these sheets but I think my lack of knowledge with wicker isn't helping with my search terms.

 

[marcros]

it would have been done as a specialist job, although if you know what you are doing, it isn't difficult- just labour intensive. My grandfather used to do it as a hobby- you may find that there are similar people about who do likewise.

 

[Chrispy]

Try google chair cane!

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Thanks chrispy. I found a video explaining how its done and it looks simple and something I now wish to try (even if just once).
Looking at the video I assume the bad areas can be patched and the whole seat don't need recaining? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv7YfDIsjtE

 

[AndyT]

Isn't this one of the cheaper versions which use a pre-woven sheet rather than individual pieces? Could be the reason for the failure. But you've probably found this alternative video guide from the same source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmwru7N1BpY&feature=related

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Yes after watching that video I can see that the one I am being asked to do is a pre woven sheet. I have found someone suppling the sheets.

My worry is getting the "piff core?" out but it seems simple enough to do with the sheets.

Thanks Andy

 

[marcros]

Huds,

Where does the pith core part that you refer to come from? (I haven't watched the video if it is on that). I have limited experience of this- not from caning, but from making a couple of straw bee skeps. The bramble is prepared in a similar way to split cane, and removing the pith is one operation. I actually used cane on 1 for ease. Splitting down bramble was not a rewarding experience! If you want to have a go, I may have some split cane left in the garage. I dont know how much there is, but let me know.

Mark

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

In the video he refers to it as the bit you hammer down into the grove you push the cane into. I haven't yet found any but I was googling piff core. ill try pith now thank you.

Im not sure I wish to split bramble myself. Thank you for the offer, very kind!

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

No luck with pith core.

Is it this stuff referred to as Centre Cane/Reed. on this site? http://www.seatweavingsupplies.co.uk/ca ... 20list.htm

 

[marcros]

no, I meant that I have some split cane. My post was badly worded!

 

[marcros]

No luck.

Is it this stuff refered to as Centre Cane/Reed. on this site? http://www.seatweavingsupplies.co.uk/ca ... 20list.htm

They look the type of firm that you could give them a call and ask. I would be guessing if I was to say yes or no.

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

no, I meant that I have some split cane. My post was badly worded!

Ah thanks Marcros. Yes please. PM me with price and payment details.

 

[Dodge]

Mr Hudson, I used some of the pre-made cane sheet a few years ago when i made a headboard for a customer and know I have got some biggish pieces of the cane in my store - if you pm me the size you need i will measure what I have got and if its big enough - I'm pretty sure it is.

If you want to give me a call my number is on my website

Main thing to remember as I learnt is to dampen it before fitting, as it dries it then shrinks tight!

Rog

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Thanks Dodge. I am quoting today based on 5 liner feet of 24" wide. If they say yes ill measure the pattern as soon as they bring the chair back and let you know.

 

[Tony Spear]

Hudson<

most local colleges run evening courses which for some reason always seem to include Chair Reupholstery and Caning!

Maybe somebody at your local "Adult Education" facility could help you out!

 

[baldpate]

Hi Hudson,

the stuff which goes round the rim of the frame to wedge in the cane sheet is called spline cane. Here's one supplier
http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/spline-cane-for-r-w-chair-cane-2-mt-length.html

It's not quite the same as the centre cane you found online : centre cane has a round profile, and is mainly used when hand-caning (weaving individual cane strands between holes drilled in the edge of the frame) to secure the ends of individual cane strands into the side holes; spline cane on the other hand has a slightly wedge-shaped profile, to help it jam securely into the groove which runs round the frame, and so secure the pre-woven sheet.

You should be able to find some online instructions for making repairs with sheet cane and spline. If not, give me a PM - I have a manual with a few pages on this technique.

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Thanks Baldpate

 

[Tinbasher]

Caneing used to be one of the crafts taught to blind people. You might try a local blind group or St Dunstans College.

 

[knappers]

Lol. I first read that and thought you said "canoeing"!!

Si

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Quote accepted and chair dropped off.

The "core" from this chair is round, about 6mm, weather the person that made it used the wrong stuff I don't know.

This is the pattern size below.

Dodge I need 18" wide stuff, one length around 2' and the other 3'? 1.5m in total should do it thats if you have this pattern and size? Let me know a price and payment details. Cheers.