Collapsible baskets...HOW?

[miamw]

I finally tried my patience at making a collapsible basket. After two tries, the third was somewhat acceptable. I set my table at 7° which made a somewhat shallow basket so next time it looks like probably 5° would do better.

My question is...has anyone else made these baskets? If so, tell me why mine cracked at the top of the basket where the cut ended next to the top ring? The top ring didn't crack, only where the basket begins. There's also a crack on the next ring down close to where the first crack is. It looks like the wood just split where it's cracked. I followed the lines practically on target exactly for most of the basket, especially where it cracked.

It was fun to make and if I can figure out what I did wrong which caused the wood to split, then I'll be making more. But until then, I'll stay away from them for now. TIA

[lucky788scroller]

Perhaps the wood crack was from the tension in the board you chose,and once that section was cut, the tension was released through that little crack? Or, maybe that crack was already there before you started, from the woods drying process, and was so small it wasnt visible to you until you tried manipulating the wood into its final shape?Or, maybe a little to much force was used when shaping the basket after cutting? It sounds to me like its more of a material issue than a procedure issue. you didnt mention....what wood did you use? Dale

[miamw]

I used 3/4" red oak. I didn't see any crack there before starting, but I think your theory may hold true. The crack does seem to be close to the grain though. Oh, and I used tung oil to finish it.

[PuzzledMoose]

As Dale said Mia it may just be flaws in the wood - I've had a couple of those leaf I've been cutting crack along an existing fault that I didn't notice. If the cracks are along the grain can you fix it with some wood glue? I've done that without the join being at all visible when the glue dries..

[miamw]

Originally Posted by PuzzledMoose

...can you fix it with some wood glue?

Nope, can't fix it. I'll just leave the basket as is and stop mooching with it to make it collapse. Otherwise it may just break for good.

[Paul S WI]

Mia, I agree with Dale's thought on this. I have made several folding baskets in Poplar, Oak, and Pine and have yet to experience a crack or split in the wood. I used a #7 blade with a 3-4 degree table tilt. In your case the wood is the culprit.

[Green Frog]

I too have made several of them from oak and Pine only had one crack and it was from purple heart which I think was to hard a wood for the job Jerry

[Eric]

mia
I made many baskets so far and hardly had an issue with them. I mostly use pine which seems to be a good choice for look as well and as cheap in cost. Lately I can get pine for $ .75 to 1.00 per square feet at home depot. The only time the baskets breaks for me is due to the knots but I check them for cracks and splits first.

Eric

[kmonkey]

I have made many different collapsible baskets (oak, cherry, ash, hickory and other hardwoords). I have noticed that oak does get stress cracks especially along the Rays in the wood grain.