Author: hautbois
Date: 2008-04-23 14:00
I am in agreement with JRJINSA that the batch of cane makes a agreat deal of difference with respect to the percentage of pieces which crack. Assuming that you want to use the cane you already have, at least until a new batch arrives, you could try three things. First, I only work with warm cane, so, if you are not using warm water for soaking, after soaking warm the cane in your mouth or in warm water for a few minutes just before tying. Second, the tying method which I was tought 50 years ago might not be in vogue today; but here is my method: I tie the thread to a hook on a secure board, hold the spool in my right hand, and tie three winds around the cane on its staple and mandrel. Then, with the thread held with moderate tension, I roll the reed back and forth (3 or 4 full turns), gradually increasing the tension (and also judging whether the sides will close at the appropriate place (three or four turns before the top of the staple; more, if using EE thread). This molds the shape of the cane gradually. Third, and this might seem counter-intuitive, but actually has the desired result for me, I lightly score the ends of the cane with two verticle swipes with the end of a single-edged razor blade, not in the center of the cane but on either side. The length of the score is short, not approaching the full length of the eventual tie, and it assists in molding the cane around the staple. I do this only if I have a troublesome batch of cane, and I have never had a crack develop in line with the scoring. Sometimes, of course, all efforts fail and the cane cracks, usually in the center above the thread.
Good luck,
Elizabeth
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