Stretcher Bars

blobartex · #1 10-27-2005, 04:40 PM

Does anyone know where I can get a plan for the joint with wedges to build my own stretcher bars

Einion · #2 10-27-2005, 09:15 PM

Hi, welcome to WC! and the Studio Tips forum. I would try to look online first, you're sure to find something. Even just an image search in Google might turn up basic drawings or even diagrams of the corner joints.

Failing that you might check with a woodworking magazine, I can't imagine there wouldn't have been an article on home-made frames at some point in the past.

Einion

mick11 · #3 10-28-2005, 04:51 AM

Hi,
I have done extensive research on this subject and can find no reference on the net.I have tried without success to reproduce them using a router table.
I think they could be reproduced quite easily using a table saw, or even a hand saw if you have the patience and expertise.

blobartex · #4 11-01-2005, 12:38 PM

Thank you all for trying, if I find an answer, I'll post it

colin · #5 11-02-2005, 01:42 PM

Hi blobartex,
i think the joint is called a mitred open mortise and tenon, or a mitred corner bridle . Heres a good pic

You can see that you will need a dado cutter for yer table saw and a high fence or jig to hold the bars upright as you cut the tenons and slot the mortises.

The bead on the inner side of the bar is important - you could cut that easily on a table saw too , but you'll have to do that last because otherwise you wont be able to mitre off the mortise face .

You could also do a splined mitre joint - might be easier that way . For that you'd have to make a jig like this . be harder to figure a way to key em out though

mick11 · #6 11-02-2005, 02:12 PM

Hi Colin,
That is the joint. Unfortunately I don't have a table saw to try it out but it looks feasible. For smaller bars you would probably get away with just a saw blade with a wide set on the teeth.

colin · #7 11-02-2005, 02:51 PM

Hey Mick ,
Hows things ?
It might be possible with a long straight cutter on a router table but i dunno - the cutter would flex like hell i think

mick11 · #8 11-02-2005, 03:14 PM

Hi Colin
The problem is, there is not a small diameter cutter made commercially that is long enough. Best I could find was 1/4 x 5/8 long. The other problem is they don't like cutting end grain, even at that size it was almost impossible to control. So think a table saw is the way to go.

colin · #9 11-02-2005, 03:19 PM

heres another version
http://emporiumindonesia.com/Woodwor...tre-joints.htm

mick11 · #10 11-03-2005, 04:38 AM

Hi Colin,

These are both good joints, the first one is used in top quality closed corner frames that are carved after assembly. For Keying out I am thinking triangular corner piece with elongated screw holes. Will give it a try.

colin · #11 11-03-2005, 12:14 PM

Hey Mick,
I was thinking the same thing - a routed slot for keying i mean . Really, I dont see why you couldnt do an easy mitred half lap joint wi slots and then use little carriage bolts wi wing nuts to tighten it down . Its not like it has to be pretty ... Most of the stress is compression anyway so even though the mitred half lap is a pretty weak joint I dont think with the bolts and washers it would rack so very much out of plane ...

About the long thin router bit -- theres probably a reason they dont come that long -- they'd have to sell Kevlar body armor to go along with it

Ive never had one fly around the room but ya do hear stories ...

stila77 · #12 12-20-2005, 05:02 PM

does somebody know how or where can i build my own stretcher bars?
in Brooklyn
which kind of wood to use ?
what kind of tools?
can i buy a long strip with degree cut in all ready? and where?
or i need to do the degree alone how can i do it?
thank you
stila77@yahoo.com

mick11 · #13 12-20-2005, 07:52 PM

Hi Stila77 and welcome to WC.

If you use the "search" at the top of this page it will give you all the previous threads on this subject. Search for stretcher bars and strainer bars in forums.

Strecher bars are avaliable in precut standard lengths and you need no special tools to put them together.
Making your own stretcher bars from scratch is a totally different kettle of fish requiring specialist tools. Strainer bars are relatively easy to make.

stila77 · #14 12-20-2005, 08:07 PM

what is it strainer bars?

mick11 · #15 12-21-2005, 05:21 AM

Hi,
Stretcher bars have "keys" or wedges in the corners for tightening the canvas.
Strainers are just a simple frame with no adjustment.

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