Thread: canoe seat

Hi Rob, here's the sum total I learned from hand caning three seats last year. Soak for a couple of hours at least. I know it's tempting to glue the cane into that groove though I was worried that it would then trap water that ran or wicked in from the top. I settled on tucking all the loose ends in as best I could. I pegged each of the holes at the finish to make everything stay put. I'll also bet that you're going to varnish the whole lot when finished - this may be a mistake. The advise came from a retired furniture maker/restorer that the cane should be left natural with the shiny side up. He says that all those failed seats you've seen are brought about throughh owners varnishing the cane which then becomes brittle and breaks up against the frame. I questioned him at length about this but he was adamant - cane used on verticle surfaces - cupboard doors etc are OK to be varnished, seats - no.......

Many thank for the info yep would have varnished them so thanks for the insite

Regards rob

Hi Rob
There are some excellent instructions plus 'how to' type videos on the Adelaide based wickerworks website coveing pre-woven and hand woven methods.
regards David