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Shaping Wood and Cane
We will take wood first. When the framework is to be bowed and suitable cane cannot be obtained, it is possible to shape hardwood stripwood. Many kinds of wood may be shaped by
steaming. Professional woodworkers use a steaming box; but as an alternative, the wood may be soaked for a minute or two in warm water, and then laid across a pan of hot water. It should, after a while, be sufficiently pliable to be formed, gently but firmly, into the required shape, which shape should be fixed by the use of a bowstring. The shaping should be done before the parts are glued and assembled.
Cane, being naturally flexible, is readily formed into curves. Whole or split cane is more easily bent by the application of dry heat (e.g. gas jet, or electric fire). This method prevents cracking or splitting. Again, in the case of kite crossbars, the shape is retained by the immediate use of bowstrings. Other shaped parts should be fixed in position as soon as possible.
Centre cane, which may be used when small sharp curves have to be made, is rendered more pliable by soaking it in hot or cold water. After the parts have been shaped, strings can be run across the ends to prevent the cane from springing back while it dries out.
Cane may be cut, split, and drilled quite easily. The best way of cutting it is to use the knife so that it rolls the cane round at the same time as it is cutting through it. This will prevent the ends from splintering. Cane can be split with a sharp-pointed knife. Don't use it as though it were a chisel, but draw it firmly, using the point, along the cane. It will be necessary to repeat the action in order to separate the cane. Nodes or knots are best cut through with a fretsaw. It is a good plan to drill through the cane near the ends, and pin it to a board. This will prevent the cane from rolling while the splitting is being done. When drilling cane, care must be taken not to split it. As soon as the drill pierces the underside, turn it over and drill through again.
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