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Reed spline for pressed cane, #6.5 to #11
Reed spline is the round-topped, slightly wedge-shaped strip of rattan core that holds pressed cane in a chair seat. After the soaked webbing is tapped down into the routed groove around the seat, you run glue into the groove and drive the spline in on top. It wedges the cane tight and leaves a neat, rounded edge.
You need it whenever you re-cane a grooved seat or back, and when you build a new frame with a spline groove. Old spline usually comes out dry and broken, so plan on new spline every time.
Size is the one thing to get right, and it follows the width of the groove. #7 fits a 1/8 in groove, #8 a 3/16 in groove, #9 a 1/4 in groove and #10 a 5/16 in groove, with half sizes in between. #6.5 is for grooves narrower than 1/8 in and #11 for grooves wider than 5/16 in. To measure, slide drill bits shank first into the groove until one fits snugly, or use calipers. The spline size chart lists every size, and the groove measuring guide explains the method.
For length, measure the groove all the way around and add 6 in. A 6 ft coil does one average chair seat; the 65 ft coil suits shops and sets of chairs. If you cannot settle on a size, the sampler set lets you test-fit #7, #8 and #9, the three most common.
- Measure the groove width with a drill bit shank or calipers before you order.
- Measure the groove length all the way around and add 6 in.
- Soak spline 10 to 15 minutes in warm water.
- Run glue into the groove before the spline goes in.
- The right size goes in with firm tapping and sits flush.
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Reed Spline for Chair Caning, 6 ft Coil, Sizes #6.5 to #11
Reed spline that locks pressed cane into a chair seat groove, in nine sizes from #6.5 to #11: #7 fits 1/8 in, #8 fits 3/16 in, #9 fits 1/4 in grooves.
From $7.99 · 9 options
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Reed Spline Bulk Coil, 65 ft, #7, #8, #9 or #10
A 65 ft coil of reed spline for shops and multi-chair jobs, about ten average seats, in #7, #8, #9 or #10 for grooves from 1/8 to 5/16 in.
From $19.99 · 4 options
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Reed Spline Sampler Set, #7, #8 and #9, Three 6 ft Coils
Three 6 ft coils of reed spline in #7, #8 and #9 for 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4 in grooves, so you can test-fit your chair groove and keep the spares.
$16.99
Questions
Can I reuse the old spline?
Rarely. Old spline is usually dry and breaks as it comes out of the groove, and fresh spline grips the new cane better. Plan on new spline every time you re-cane.
Reed Spline for Chair CaningWhat if my groove measures between two sizes?
Half sizes (#7.5, #8.5 and #9.5) sit between the whole numbers. If you are still unsure, test-fit: the right spline goes in with firm tapping and sits flush with the seat.
Do I soak spline the same way as cane webbing?
Spline needs less time: 10 to 15 minutes in warm water, against about 30 minutes for webbing. Soak only the length you are about to use and keep the rest of the coil dry.
Cane Webbing RollCan I use rattan core or round reed instead of spline?
No. Spline is shaped to wedge into the groove; round rattan core and round reed are not, and they will not hold the cane.
Caning Wedges
Round Reed for Basket Weaving
Natural Rattan Core