Fixing natural fiber grill cloth

[donahue]

 Hi I was wondering if any one knows a good way to tighten cloth that doesn't heat shrink? Also I have a run right through the center I'd like to close up. I've been moving the weave tighter a string at a time but I'd like to get it done before the caps go bad. It's a black & tan weave sorta like the Marshall salt & pepper.http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg176/jmdonahue/100_0137.jpg

 Any advise is welcomed,Thanks Joe

[tubesornothing]

Check this forum, about 6 posts down:  Tolex and Grill cloth tutorial.

[donahue]

 OK Thanks tubesornothing - yeah I read them when I was searching the forums. That's pretty much how I built mine...I just couldn't find anything on fixing runs.

[skyclad]

I have some canvas stretching pliers with wide jaws - can get those at hobby lobby or art supply house. They have a little foot on one side to brace against the stretcher to give you lots of pull against the cloth.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/canvas-stretching-pliers/

[tubesornothing]

That run is going to be a PIA.  The best I would do, is just what you are doing - move a string at a time.  Maybe do it while watching the glaciers melt.

I googled canvas pliers and came across this stretcher.  Basically three vise grips welded together on a stand.  $650

http://wholesaleartsframes.com/stretcherbars/CanvasStretchingMachine/page.html

[donahue]

 Those pliers look like a good idea, thanks for the tip! The machine would be great if you were pumping out grills every week.
 Well back to re-working the weave I guess...I gonna get bored after the glaciers are gone.