Removing Old Spline and Cane
1. If the old cane is still present cut it out as close to the spline as
possible.
2. Use a box cutter to separate the spline from the edge of the groove.
3. Use a drill bit that is a little smaller than the spline itself and drill holes
about two inches apart all around the spline. (spline is a soft material
and the drill will go right through it. Be careful not to drill through the
frame.)
4. Fill the holes with vinegar and repeat as many times as necessary
until the vinegar will stand in the holes. Let vinegar stand for about an
hour.
5. Carefully remove the old spline and cane with a caning chisel. (The
old glue does not completely break down so watch your groove for
breakage and rips as you are prying the old spline out. Even if you
are very careful you may still have rips. You are working with the
grain of the wood and it just happens. Also be careful around the
joints of the frame.)
6. After you have removed the old glue and spline let the groove dry.
7. Fold some 100 grit sandpaper and finish cleaning up the groove.
While you have the sandpaper go ahead and knock down the edges
of the seat opening. (Most chairs have a ninety degree on the frame
which will cut the cane quicker when pressure is applied.)
Cutting & Shaping New Spline
1. If your corners are ninety degrees go ahead and cut your spline to
size.
2. If you have rounded corners soak you spline for about 5 minutes.
Start in the center back of the cleaned groove and work it around
slowly until you get back to the starting point. Cut your spline about
two inches long and let it dry in the groove. (no glue).
3. **Do not cut spline to size while wet. It will contract and leave a
gap).**
Installing Cane
1. If your new spline is dry remove from the groove and set aside.
2. Soak the cane in tap water for 15 to 20 minutes. (Do not soak for
longer periods of time as the cane will degrade.)
3. Lay the cane across the seat and cut off excess. Leave at least 1 inch
of overhang all the way around.
4. Align your cane so that it is straight in the seat. Start in the back
center and push in a few inches. (gently work the cane in).
5. Now come up to front center and push a couple of inches into the
groove.
6. Return to back left of center and push in couple of inches.
7. Move to front right of center and push in a couple of inches.
8. Now to right of center on the back pushing in a couple of inches.
You are making a X when pushing the cane in continue this until you reach
the sides, and do the same for the sides.
Removing Excess Cane
1. Use a half inch wood chisel with the bevel turned down. Set the edge
of the chisel just below the outside groove wall. If your chisel is sharp
you can push it to cut the cane. If not lightly tap it with a hammer.
Continue until all excess cane is removed.
2. **Important once you start removing the excess you must complete
the chair. If not the cane will be to small to reuse.**
Installing the New Cane
1. Fill your groove with white glue.
2. If your spline is multiple pieces start with one and drive it in with a
rubber or rawhide mallet. If you do not have one of these use a 2X2
block of wood on top of the spline and a regular hammer. If you use a
regular hammer directly on the spline it will mar it. Continue until al
pieces are in.
3. If your spline is one continuous piece start at the back center and
drive it in the same as when you put it in to form earlier. When you
get to the overlap mark where you need to cut. Cut the excess and
finish driving it in.
4. Wipe all excess glue and check to see if the spline needs to be driven
down further. If so drive it down and wipe excess glue.
5. Check on the chair about every 10 minutes until the glue sets. If a
piece of spline pops up clamp it with wax paper.
6. Let the chair dry for 24 hours before staining or painting.
If you have any questions you are welcome to call me 972-253-1300
Pat Swofford
Chair Caning and Supplies
www.chaircaningandsupplies.com