FIG. 24. THE FIRST DIAGONAL WEAVE UNDER WAY. THE FIFTH STEP.
FIG. 25. FIRST DIAGONAL COMPLETED AND THE SECOND BEGUN. THE SIXTH STEP.
Note that many holes have been skipped in each series, especially in the last two, and also that more than one diagonal of a given series enters the same hole. In every case it will enter that hole which leaves its course in as straight a line as possible. In rectangular areas it is never necessary to run two diagonals into the same hole, except at the corners. This applies to two diagonals of the same series.
Refinishing.—The refinishing of a chair is a distinct problem, and one which the cane weaver should understand. He should acquire ability for finishing along with skill in caning, inasmuch as a chair which needs a new seat invariably is in need of refinishing. The method is as follows: Remove the cane from the seat. If the finish is in fair condition merely wash the chair with warm water and soap. When dry sand the surface somewhat, wipe clean, and follow with a coat of good varnish. In forty-eight hours rub with pumice stone and oil, and follow with an application of furniture polish, well rubbed. A good polish which may be made in school shops is composed of two parts of raw oil, two parts of turpentine, one part vinegar, and a very small amount of alcohol. Boiled oil may be used in the absence of the raw product. Shake the container constantly when using, for the parts are almost all merely held in suspension.
Should the chair be in poor condition, remove all varnish with any good varnish remover found on the market. Apply as directed with a stiff brush, running the solution well into all crevices. Later rub off the softened finish with excelsior or burlap. A scraper, an old plane bit, or a rather dull chisel will prove effective in corners and recesses. Apply a second coat of remover if conditions warrant it and clean again, then when the surfaces are dry, sand until clean and smooth. Follow with a coat of oil stain of the color desired; then two coats of varnish, allowing each coat to dry 48 hours. Sand the first coat lightly, and rub the second with pumice stone and oil. A filler is not generally necessary in refinishing. The ground coat may be of shellac instead of varnish if the worker prefers it. The chair need not be stained if it was finished natural originally.
