Canvas stretching

Just a note of caution on using fastenings for the canvas on the face of the stems. You don't really want to be using the regular or even the short brass canoe tacks on the face of the stem. They are too long and too big for the narrow stem and since they are so close together they will split the stem wide open. You may not notice the spliting because the canvas is covering up the wood so you cann't see it. A 3/8" copper tack is the biggest fastening that you want to put into the stem face. If it's a new stem then 5/16" or even 1/4" tacks are better. Staples are fine but its hard to get the power and strength for the staple to go into the hardwood and to conform to the curve of the stem.
Rollin
 
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