Fsimard
True Grumbler
Dear Grumblers,
I have a problem with a batch of frames I did a couple of months ago.
The client ordered 15 large maple frames (42" x 64") which are all assembled using a technique called face spline and then painted white using lacquer.
I use this very often for closed corners white frames and never had a problem.
Last year, I did a 200 frames job using this method, and they still are perfectly joined. No cracks, seamless miter.
Now, the client send back 4 of those frames for a repair, saying that the triangle insert starts to appear on the surface (see the picture attached).
It's maybe due to a temperature variation during storage or rough handling..., but I think it may also be due to a difference of moisture in the pieces of maple I used for the project..
I apologized to my client and will do the paint job and delivery for free, as I always honour my warranty against any defect.
The question is: do any of you that use this technique have seen this problem before? Do you use maple for the inserts while checking with a hygrometer for a perfectly dried piece?
I join my frames with thumbnails, then make the cut for the insert and use wood glue and clamps. Then I use a Bondo kind of putty to seal the cracks before applying 2 coats of primer, sanding with 600 grit and applying two coats of white water-based lacquer.
What are your tips for face splines?
many thanks!
François
I have a problem with a batch of frames I did a couple of months ago.
The client ordered 15 large maple frames (42" x 64") which are all assembled using a technique called face spline and then painted white using lacquer.
I use this very often for closed corners white frames and never had a problem.
Last year, I did a 200 frames job using this method, and they still are perfectly joined. No cracks, seamless miter.
Now, the client send back 4 of those frames for a repair, saying that the triangle insert starts to appear on the surface (see the picture attached).
It's maybe due to a temperature variation during storage or rough handling..., but I think it may also be due to a difference of moisture in the pieces of maple I used for the project..
I apologized to my client and will do the paint job and delivery for free, as I always honour my warranty against any defect.
The question is: do any of you that use this technique have seen this problem before? Do you use maple for the inserts while checking with a hygrometer for a perfectly dried piece?
I join my frames with thumbnails, then make the cut for the insert and use wood glue and clamps. Then I use a Bondo kind of putty to seal the cracks before applying 2 coats of primer, sanding with 600 grit and applying two coats of white water-based lacquer.
What are your tips for face splines?
many thanks!
François