I believe that there are a few wood workers and cabinet makers that browse the forum and perhaps one of you might have some info that they could share.
I am refinishing an antique wood steamer trunk, circa 1870-1900. After removing the canvas covering and walking out the old nails and hardware I have done my sanding and oiling. Now I am ready to put on the new hardware and leathers.
Now in working on this trunk I came face to face with a nail setting technique I had never heard of before (which is not surprising as there is a lot out there for me still to learn) ... clinched nails! The pine sides of the trunk are about 1/2" thick plus I need to add the leather's thickness of 1/4". A total of 3/4". The recommendations call for 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" brass or steel nails that are driven through the leather and wood then CURLED back on themselves on the inside of the wood.
The nails were not bent over in at an L angle. They roll in a wonderful little circle right back into the wood. It looks as though something like a wide heavy crow bar may have been braced inside the trunk ... then the nail point driven to meet the crow bar ... then the crow bar used to guide the rolling or clinching.
Any ideas would be extremely welcome. I am going to practice first. But having a limited supply of the brass and steel replacement nails I hate to end up losing all that I have then have to wait for a new supply to arrive.
Thank You!
Susan
I am refinishing an antique wood steamer trunk, circa 1870-1900. After removing the canvas covering and walking out the old nails and hardware I have done my sanding and oiling. Now I am ready to put on the new hardware and leathers.
Now in working on this trunk I came face to face with a nail setting technique I had never heard of before (which is not surprising as there is a lot out there for me still to learn) ... clinched nails! The pine sides of the trunk are about 1/2" thick plus I need to add the leather's thickness of 1/4". A total of 3/4". The recommendations call for 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" brass or steel nails that are driven through the leather and wood then CURLED back on themselves on the inside of the wood.
The nails were not bent over in at an L angle. They roll in a wonderful little circle right back into the wood. It looks as though something like a wide heavy crow bar may have been braced inside the trunk ... then the nail point driven to meet the crow bar ... then the crow bar used to guide the rolling or clinching.
Any ideas would be extremely welcome. I am going to practice first. But having a limited supply of the brass and steel replacement nails I hate to end up losing all that I have then have to wait for a new supply to arrive.
Thank You!
Susan
Comment