I was contacted by an art enthusiast who acquired some canvas prints and was interested in 6 custom canvas stretchers to mount them. I obliged.
Since these would be my first stretchers, I drew up a 3d models: one with 1×4 boards and another with 2×2 boards. Working with the client, we decided to go with the 2×2 boards.
I picked up 2×2 select pine boards from the wood store. This made it relatively easy to finish and I did zero planing. Structurally, I over estimated how much inside tension would be on the frames and designed corner support with 45 degree MDF. Although it is negligible for the structure, it made assembly much easier. I will probably do it again.
After cutting the boards to size with miters on both ends, I did 2 passes down the middle of one face for the MDF to fit snug. I could have attempted some advanced joinery, but no one will ever see it, so what’s the point?
I ripped the MDF to 4.5″ strips and then segmented them to ~9″ pieces.
Using the corner clamps, I glued up and set the MDF supports in the corners. For the bigger frames, I reinforced the middle board with cute little triangles.
While the glue dried and wood clamped, I drove 3 finishing nails in each corner.
It was easy to sand the upward facing side, flip the clamps around, and then do the other side. I only needed to hit it with 220. Yep and easy.
Here is the end result. After the first batch, the client wanted 3 more. In all, I did ten frames.
The last batch went pretty quick because I had the template for the table saw ready to go and the techniques established. I had a lot of fun making these and I’m confident that they will stand the test of time.
Leave a Reply