Stretcher Bar Maker

[John]

We have always used ready-made stretcher bars. However, it looks like they should not be too difficult to make for ourselves. I imagine that some sort of jig in combination with a circular saw should do the trick.

Is there a device that enables the bespoke framer to make 'proper' stretcher bars?

[evanstheframe]

Hi John
I would think there must be something out there or Lion etc would not sell the stretcher bar mouldings by the length.
I look forward to checking on the results of this post as I make my own canvases to paint on. And being Welsh I am always on the look out to save money.

Lyn (evanstheframe)

[mick11]

I already make my own moulding on a router table, and have been thinking along the same lines,using the router table.
It should'nt be to difficult to make up a couple of jigs for a table saw but may be more dificult with a chop saw.
Will let you know how I get on

[markw]

Renaissance have just added a stretcher bar profile to their range - I haven’t used it yet but have some in stock to try it out. I have looked around for a solution to stretchers for years - i tried to get a local joinery firm to make them for me but they claimed that they would have to get a special tool made up to achieve the accuracy required? For custom sized stretchers I use Renaissance and have found their service to be excellent. I regularly stretch very large canvases - the amount of work involved in cutting all the bars - crossbars accurately would soon outweigh the cost of getting a specialist firm to do the job for you - smaller stretcher bars - especially stock sizes are comparatively cheap.

[John]

We don't stretch a lot of canvases, but more than half of those that we do are non-standard sizes. How nice it would be if we could easily make bars to fit.

I was hoping that since I last checked, someone had come up with a power tool or attachment along the lines of a dovetail maker or morticer. I'm sure that if stretcher bar making was a popular leisure activity there would be a whole range of tools available.

So it's down to you Mick, solve this one and the framers of the world will be beating a path to your door.

Please keep us posted

[JFeig]

A simple method of changing the size of a stretcher bar is to add a strip of wood along the side(es) that have to be enlarged. If you have a 24" strip and need 24 1/2" simple add a single 1/2" shim (strip) on the apposing side (or 2 - 1/4" strips, one on each side). The spline joint is not effected and the corner keys can be used in the normal manner.

Jerry

[SquareFrames]

Hi,

Just reading all the posts regarding this subject, and it seems to me that we want to give ourselves extra work.

Like most I suspect, I use the normal standard strectcher bars? Unfortunately my local supplier only keeps 'Even' sizes, not an odd size in sight. However if I need the odd sizes I order from Lion.

On a regular basis now I am asked to stretch, very odd sized oils / acrylics, one size being 12 x 48 (inch, for those still in old money), and I find the strandard bars inadequate. So I send them to a canvas stretcher specialist on the North Down coast, who not only makes the bars to suit exactly, also stretches the canvas if I have left it with him. I would normally ask him to make the bars and stretch the more expensive canavs myself after lining the bars with Conservation or Museum board and depending on the value of the item being stretched, maybe a piece of polyester wadding to stop the impurites of the wood touching the canvas.

After stretching the canvas, framing it, taping the wood up for a more professional finish, who here cuts a piece of MDF the same size as the outside size of the stracher bars and covers the back in?

Steven

[mick11]

So it's down to you Mick, solve this one and the framers of the world will be beating a path to your door.

Please keep us posted

I have done a bit of research on this. There are a few articles on the net.

I have tried to reproduce them on a router table without success. Main problem is I cannot find a small enough cutter that is long enough.

It should be possible to make them on a bench saw using a couple of home made jigs.
I saw one idea that uses dowelling to keep the joint in line that looks feasible, and could be reproduced on a bench saw.

[John]

Thanks for the update Mick.

Looks like the bench saw idea might be the best option. But how many framers would have a bench saw?

Links to relavent items on the net would be useful.