On Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 4:44:03 PM UTC-6, dbj wrote:
Yes, the frame is oak and it had jute webbing long ago. There's a minimum
of string holding the coils together, which are hefty. Heftier than other
outdoor furniture redo's that I've seen, but maybe the tying part is the
same principle. I think there was jute webbing on top and bottom of the
coils-no plywood. We have a hog ringer, according to my husband. Can't
wait to get going on these old beauties. I got 2 of them cheap at an
auction for a winter project.
--
There was probably jute webbing on the bottom, only. Burlap above the springs.
Stretch your jute webbing, as tight as you can, across the span of the frame, say front to back. Don't be affraid to stretch it really tight, as tight as you can. For left to right strands, weave the strands over & under the front to back strands; Again, stretch the Lt to Rt webbing as tight as you can and attach to the frame.
You're going to have lots of difficulty attaching the springs with hog ringers. You might want to use small paper clips (wires), hooked/looped through the jute webbing, over the spring coil, then back through the jute webbing. Twist tie them. Tie each spring, to the jute webbing, at four points. Your coil springs likely has a large coil at the top and bottom of the spring unit. The pics I'll show has a large coil at the top and a small coil at the bottom.
My pics show 2 methods of tying: The 8 point tying method (preferred) and the 4 point method (not the preferred method, but works in a pinch). Also note, in the pics, between the coils, the twine is tied to crossing strands of twine, part of the fully tied configuration, fully 8 point tying at all possible tying points. the first 4 pics on the opening page. The first pic shows pretty much what your seat should look like before covering your springs.
When tying your springs, tie them so that they are in a slightly compressed posture (slightly spring loaded). You don't want them to be fully extended and tied in that fully extended position.... but make sure they are not compressed too much, not compressed such that the seat contour looks disfigured when it is upholstered. Does this make sense?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/
Cover the top of the springs with burlap and attached the burlap edges to the seat frame. *If it were my chairs, I would next add a layer of 1/4" felt, just on the topside of the springs (not along the sides, if applicable), and hand stitch it (along the edges) to the burlap. Add cotton padding until you can't feel the individual springs, then a layer of fiberfill (quilt type batting). Then you are ready for your upholstery.
Tying the springs: Pic 2 shows one end of the twine attached to the ply/frame, then it is draped over the springs, then there is 2' length of twine beyond the edge of the spring unit. You'll need about 2 extra feet of twine for all the knots you tie, so that, after tying all the knots, you'll have a tag of twine for attaching to the other side of the wood/seat frame.
Any questions? Concerns?
Sonny