There's been some discussion on one of the needlework lists I belong to about the Evertite stretcher bars. I was just curious how everyone feels about using them now that they've been on the market for a while now. I posed that question and have had a good response of positive opinions on the use of Evertite's.
Personally I love using them and feel they are well worth their cost especially for larger projects. Not having to remove my canvas from the stretchers in order to tighten it is not only time saving, but better for the canvas IMHO; less handling is always better. I do have a minor issue using them with certain lap frames, however. Not all, my System 4 frames and stands accommodate the Evertite's just fine.
I've posted some photos in an effort to explain the problem I have using them on my K's creations lap frames and stands. Below and right you can see how the frame slants up as I tighten the clamp. I can get it tight enough to stay, the problem is when I need to reposition the frame.
What happens is the clamp slants enough to put pressure on the long bolts making it a major struggle to move the flat pieces of the clamp up or down. This is demonstrated below left. Even if I hold the frame flush with the inside of the clamp, as I gently tighten down, the flat pieces move.
This photo shows the size differences between the Evertites and other stretcher bars. It also demonstrates how the bolt gets slanted making it nearly impossible to adjust the clamp up and down in order to remove the stretchers.
By writing about this I hope for one of two things, A) I learn that I am not alone in my struggle; and or B) there is a solution or suggestion one or more of you have to help.Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks for stopping by today.
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I am relatively new to Evertites but I do have K stands in several sizes. I haven't tried using the evertites with the K stand yet but will give it a shot over the weekend. If all else fails, can you drill a hole in the evertites and use the bolt connection to the K's? OR is drilling a hole in evertites a major "no no"? I've done it for the side pieces on some of my scroll frames. The predrilled holes aren't always in the right place for me.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a great idea, it seems to me that it would work. Anyone else out there have an opinion on this? Thanks Kelly for writing.
ReplyDeleteRun to the hardware and pick up longer screws for the frame itself which will allow the claw to open wider to accommodate the Evertites! Hope that helps as that is what I did.
ReplyDeleteHi Madonna,
ReplyDeleteI don't use a floor frame as I stitch at the dining room table.
I've read (on several discussion lists and over several years) that many have solved this problem by using a longer bolt. Okay, just read down and saw that was Pat's suggestion. :-)
Try it and let us know how it works.
Cynthia
Windy Meadow