Replies

1. 
   calvin | Apr 30, 2003 01:33pm | #1

   These are screens applied to fixed posts.  You could adapt to removable panels.  Routed a groove and used screen spline to hold the screen (like in alum screen inserts).  Several sizes of spline available from a good hardware so you should be able to find one to fit a small straight bit.  I used a fence on the router for the straights and had to fab up a template to do the corners.  Had trouble posting a picture, will try again later.  The spline naturally tightens the screen as you roll it in.

   __________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

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   Edited 4/30/2003 6:34:20 AM ET by calvin

2. 
   NickNukeEm | Apr 30, 2003 01:56pm | #2

   Here's an article from THO website on constructing a screen porch.  They use the spline method, though I'm not sure they go into detail on how to rout the groove. 

   http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/weekendprojects/article/0,13422,214988,00.html

   I never met a tool I didn't like!
3. 
   goldhiller | Apr 30, 2003 04:46pm | #3

   Here's what works fine for me if you're just going to staple aluminum/metal screens. Lay the screen frame on a workbench or table that is at least as long and just a little wider than your frames. This is easy on a makeshift basis with a couple pieces of flat 2"x8" or larger laid across a pair of sawhorses.

   Next, place a piece of stock at least the width of the frame UNDER both the top and bottom edge of the frame(assuming your frames are taller than they are wide). The thickness of this spacer will be determined by the length/height of your frames but is usually somewhere between 3/4" for a short frame and and 1 1/2"for a tall frame. Now, place a clamp midway on both side edges (the stiles of the frame) and clamp the frame down to the table, bowing the frame. Lay your slightly oversized screen over the frame and staple the top of the screen across its entire width, something on the order of a staple every 2". (Make sure you place those staples such that they can be covered by an applied molding.) Do the same for the bottom edge of the screen while tensioning it a bit and tweaking it with your free hand to make certain you aren't stapling in any puckers. I always staple from the center of the screen outward toward each side edge as this seems to work best.

   You should now be able to release the clamps and have an evenly tensioned screen. Finish off by stapling the two side edges, applying your molding and then cutting off the excess screen with a sharp utility knife.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

   Edited 4/30/2003 9:50:38 AM ET by GOLDHILLER

   
   

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   Edited 4/30/2003 10:33:01 AM ET by GOLDHILLER

1. 
   NormKerr | Apr 30, 2003 07:39pm | #4

   GOLDHILLER has the technique for doing one screen, but takes some set-up to do.

   When you have two screens (or any multiple of 2) you can do the same thing by laying two screens end-to-end, and prop one of them up a bit.

   Stretch the screen material across both screens and set the spline (or staple) at the opposite ends.

   Remove the prop to stretch the screen tight and set the spline/staples at the near ends.

   Cut the screen between the two frames and finish the edges of both and voila, tight screen.

   The amount of 'prop' is dependent on various factors and after one or two tries you'll get it down and have all the frames re-screened in no time!

   Norm

   Edited 4/30/2003 12:49:46 PM ET by Norm