Caning question
Does anyone have experience with caning? I am refinishing an old bed from the '20s that has sheet caning panels (the type of caning that comes in sheets from the factory, not the type where you have to sit there and weave every strand yourself!). I got a couple of books on caning from the library and they made it look oh, so easy .... But I am having big problems getting the spline out of the groove so I can put new sheet caning in. The spline is IN there for the ages! (That is the part that goes on top of the caning, down into the groove, holding everything in place.) Unfortunately I can't just leave the caning as is, since it has big gaping holes in it. I tried softening up the spline by applying vinegar, as one book recommended, with hardly any result. The other book said to use water to soften the spline but I am concerned that it will raise the grain on the wood around it, or possibly leave water stain marks. Any ideas on how to soften up the spline or any other ways to get it out of there? Thank you!! Ann