Drilling Holes for Caned Seats

Response to caning question: 10/07
Hi Bob! ( Columbus, Ohio)

As a woodworker, you are the expert on wood repairs. So many glues &
wood fillers out there, I'm sure you are making good choices.

As for the drilled holes, I have done a few. Look in the Peerless
Rattan catalog for the diam. & distance between each hole when choosing
the size of strand cane. Then you need to consider the style of the
chair & dimensions of the frame. How much cane support is needed? Most
rockers use Med & Common, the largest two sizes. Round seats, with
many holes usually take Fine-Fine & smaller sizes. That leaves rose
back chairs( best example) where the seat is usually four holes wider
on the front rail than the back. They are woven with Fine & Nar. Med
strand.

On round seats you find the center point on each of the 4 rails, mark
for a drilled hole, then mark as evenly as possible in between,
according to the requirements of the strand you want to use. Still
trying to match left to right & top to bottom with each hole drilled.
Have you seen the work in progress photos on my new web site? That may
help you visualize what needs to be to have a good looking, well strand
supported seat. Of course you keep the same distance from the inner
frame all the way around for your drilled row of holes.

Casual chairs average 68 to 74 holes. They must have 4 corner holes, in
line with each drilled side. Round seats can be in the 80's-90's.
ALWAYS in pairs of 2. Hope this helps. Do give it a try.

Thanks for checking in. I always enjoy talking about caning & seat
weaving.

Helen, Chairscaned.com