I am building a few screen panels for a porch and I’m wondering what the best method to attach the screens it. The alternatives I’ve read:
1. A channel and spline: I tried this but the screen weave came out wavy
2. Staples: I also tried this and the screen wasn’t as tight as I’d like
Are there any alternatives? Any advice on something I could try to do differently with either of the above?
Thanks, Mischa
Replies
Spline for me.
And I ALWAYS clamp the frame with a bow in it , lay a 2x4 under it and bow the ends down to a bench, then spline in the screen. It will be more taut that way when yer done. As to wavy weave, practice, practice.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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What should be the relative size of the channel to the spline?
I use 1/8th inch ribbed spline and plow the groove with a .120 therabouts saw blade. If you stretch the spline as you roll it in, it goes in easy. Don't over do it tho.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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You can buy aluminimun framing from which to make screens. They sell the corner pieces (no mitering needed), cross-baces, pull tabs, etc. I've built them and they come out looking just like the originals and they're easy to do.
If you prefer to make yours out of wood, take a look at these ready-made pieces to get an idea of the size of the spline they use.
Really? I've blocked the ends and clamped down the middle. I use 1 x 4 to block up the ends. Works for spline or staples.
Had an Irish setter that was really hard on screens until we hooked them up to a fence charger.
Geezus, my mind has been in reverse lately, you are right...man, it must bethe humidity soaking into my brain. Thats twice I was turned around.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt
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staples and a trim strip, if you can't get the screen stretched to staple, then splines aren't going to be any easier, and staples don't cut the screen just as your adjusting the last spline ...
The spline does stretch the screen, thats why ya use it instead of staples.And I've repaired more torn screens that were stapled than splined, esp when the staples cut the screen or just the legs catch the weave and make funny looking pulls.Staples are for hacks and the less talented.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt
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