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Woodturning (rec.crafts.woodturning) To discuss tools, techniques, styles, materials, shows and competitions, education and educational materials related to woodturning. All skill levels are welcome, from art turners to production turners, beginners to masters. |
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#1
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
I have some clumps of giant timber bamboo besides the house. I've been
removing some of the culms to keep the grove under control and now have almost a dozen that I've harvested. The culms are 4-6" in diameter near the base and about 35-40 feet tall. The walls of the lower sections are up to about 1" thick. It occurred to me that this might be a novel source for turning material, for such things as candle-stick holders, salt-and-pepper shakers, a chop stick holder, etc. Has anyone tried turning bamboo sections, and if so what did you think of the final product? |
#2
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
You have a special version of bamboo and would be a value to the
local garden shops - in the raw state or in yard stuff. If there are Japanese gardens near by - make friends. They build almost any structure out of them. Martin Martin H. Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net "Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal. NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Charter Founder IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/ On 6/23/2010 7:11 PM, JimR wrote: I have some clumps of giant timber bamboo besides the house. I've been removing some of the culms to keep the grove under control and now have almost a dozen that I've harvested. The culms are 4-6" in diameter near the base and about 35-40 feet tall. The walls of the lower sections are up to about 1" thick. It occurred to me that this might be a novel source for turning material, for such things as candle-stick holders, salt-and-pepper shakers, a chop stick holder, etc. Has anyone tried turning bamboo sections, and if so what did you think of the final product? |
#3
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
yes, I have, makes interesting work. do a search for some examples - cut
into strips, glue strips into blocks and turn on a bias for a very nice effect (I hesitate to call it grain, given that this is just huge grass) "JimR" wrote in message m... I have some clumps of giant timber bamboo besides the house. I've been removing some of the culms to keep the grove under control and now have almost a dozen that I've harvested. The culms are 4-6" in diameter near the base and about 35-40 feet tall. The walls of the lower sections are up to about 1" thick. It occurred to me that this might be a novel source for turning material, for such things as candle-stick holders, salt-and-pepper shakers, a chop stick holder, etc. Has anyone tried turning bamboo sections, and if so what did you think of the final product? |
#4
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
If I try to take a sample to my local garden shop, which is about 20 miles
away, a 40' bamboo culm sticking out of the sunroof of my Honda Civic is going to look like some giant children's pull toy -- Thanks, everyone, for the information -- JimR "Martin H. Eastburn" wrote in message ... You have a special version of bamboo and would be a value to the local garden shops - in the raw state or in yard stuff. If there are Japanese gardens near by - make friends. They build almost any structure out of them. Martin Martin H. Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net "Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal. NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Charter Founder IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/ On 6/23/2010 7:11 PM, JimR wrote: I have some clumps of giant timber bamboo besides the house. I've been removing some of the culms to keep the grove under control and now have almost a dozen that I've harvested. The culms are 4-6" in diameter near the base and about 35-40 feet tall. The walls of the lower sections are up to about 1" thick. It occurred to me that this might be a novel source for turning material, for such things as candle-stick holders, salt-and-pepper shakers, a chop stick holder, etc. Has anyone tried turning bamboo sections, and if so what did you think of the final product? |
#5
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
Hi Jim, Maybe decorative bamboo rollers for rugs or carpet material. Maybe fishing poles for catching whales. Maybe not. OK, I just wanted an excuse to post this, probably old to most of you, but new to me quote. "No trees were destroyed in posting this, but a significant number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced." (The S. Fl heat & humidity finally got to me, sorry.) Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings |
#6
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
"Arch" wrote in message
... Hi Jim, Maybe decorative bamboo rollers for rugs or carpet material. Maybe fishing poles for catching whales. Maybe not. Turned on a pole lathe by a bodger! OK, I just wanted an excuse to post this, probably old to most of you, but new to me quote. "No trees were destroyed in posting this, but a significant number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced." (The S. Fl heat & humidity finally got to me, sorry.) Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings |
#7
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
On Jun 23, 8:11*pm, "JimR" wrote:
I have some clumps of giant timber bamboo besides the house. *I've been removing some of the culms to keep the grove under control and now have almost a dozen that I've harvested. *The culms are 4-6" in diameter near the base and about 35-40 feet tall. *The walls of the lower sections are up to about 1" thick. *It occurred to me that this might be a novel source for turning material, for such things as candle-stick holders, salt-and-pepper shakers, a chop stick holder, etc. Has anyone tried turning bamboo sections, and if so what did you think of the final product? I have seen some pens made from bamboo |
#8
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
On Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:43:16 -0500, Kevin wrote
(in message ): I have seen some pens made from bamboo well, now I'm going to wander off topic and respond that back in the '60's I had a slide rule that was made of laminated bamboo. Sorry for the diversion, just couldn't resist. tom koehler -- I will find a way or make one. |
#9
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
"tom koehler" wrote in
message net.net... On Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:43:16 -0500, Kevin wrote (in message ): I have seen some pens made from bamboo well, now I'm going to wander off topic and respond that back in the '60's I had a slide rule that was made of laminated bamboo. Sorry for the diversion, just couldn't resist. tom koehler Nay, just pointing out the stability! |
#10
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
"tom koehler" wrote: well, now I'm going to wander off topic and respond that back in the '60's I had a slide rule that was made of laminated bamboo. Sorry for the diversion, just couldn't resist. tom koehler ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ It was probably a Sun-Hemmi, made in Japan. In my opinion those worked better than K & E or Dietzgen. which were made of wood. The fact that the grain of bamboo runs perfectly parallel to its axis provides an unbeatable sliding surface. I once lost a whole grade point in a chemistry final because it was raining that day, and my sliderule (not bamboo) was sticking. |
#11
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
"JimR" wrote in message m... I have some clumps of giant timber bamboo besides the house. I've been removing some of the culms to keep the grove under control and now have almost a dozen that I've harvested. The culms are 4-6" in diameter near the base and about 35-40 feet tall. The walls of the lower sections are up to about 1" thick. It occurred to me that this might be a novel source for turning material, for such things as candle-stick holders, salt-and-pepper shakers, a chop stick holder, etc. Has anyone tried turning bamboo sections, and if so what did you think of the final product? Never tried it myself but you can buy bowls made from bamboo very cheaply here in the UK; http://www.johnlewis.com/230860025/Product.aspx The ones on sale look to be laminated then turned and lacqyered on th outside. Looking into them looks like plywood spiralling outwards from the centre of the base: http://www.johnlewis.com/230748417/Product.aspx I doubt I coudl buy the bamboo for the price these things cost, never mind all the work involved. |
#12
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
"Norman Billingham" norman.at.tumulus.org.uk wrote in message ... "JimR" wrote in message m... I have some clumps of giant timber bamboo besides the house. I've been removing some of the culms to keep the grove under control and now have almost a dozen that I've harvested. The culms are 4-6" in diameter near the base and about 35-40 feet tall. The walls of the lower sections are up to about 1" thick. It occurred to me that this might be a novel source for turning material, for such things as candle-stick holders, salt-and-pepper shakers, a chop stick holder, etc. Has anyone tried turning bamboo sections, and if so what did you think of the final product? Never tried it myself but you can buy bowls made from bamboo very cheaply here in the UK; http://www.johnlewis.com/230860025/Product.aspx The ones on sale look to be laminated then turned and lacqyered on th outside. Looking into them looks like plywood spiralling outwards from the centre of the base: http://www.johnlewis.com/230748417/Product.aspx I doubt I coudl buy the bamboo for the price these things cost, never mind all the work involved. When I finish a couple of other projects I'll try some straight turning, maybe a candlestick -- from one of the wider-diameter pieces I might be able to turn a holder for a soft-drink can to insulate it and keep condensation moisture from dripping onto the table. I've already got about 30 culms, all about 35-40' tall, and up to about 5-6" in diameter. Anybody need a couple of bamboo fenceposts or a push-pole for a pontoon boat? |
#13
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
JimR wrote:
wrote in message ster.com... [snip] Incidentally, I'd love to grow the giant bamboo. I've only seen it growing in warm-to-hot climates and I'm wondering if it would survive my downstate NY winters. Other bamboos do okay, though. Any thoughts? Nemo You are not in a good area to get large diameter bamboo for crafts. Just too cold, you might get micro climates to get some growth but it will not be consistent. Found most of the bamboo north of westchester is sheltered by hardwoods and will not reach published sizes. A bamboo from a division should mature in 7 to 10 years if it will be happy in its new location. Ph vivax 4 to 5 inches over 40 feet ph robert young 3 to 4 inches 30 plus feet ph rubomarginata 2 to 3 inches 30 feet-- good for crafts ph nigra 1.5 and 25 feet ph aurosulcata variants 2 inches 30 feet--- not good for crafts --- distributed through government farm programs for research and promotion north shore of LI |
#14
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
"downhill" wrote in message ... JimR wrote: wrote in message ster.com... [snip] Incidentally, I'd love to grow the giant bamboo. I've only seen it growing in warm-to-hot climates and I'm wondering if it would survive my downstate NY winters. Other bamboos do okay, though. Any thoughts? Nemo You are not in a good area to get large diameter bamboo for crafts. Just too cold, you might get micro climates to get some growth but it will not be consistent. Found most of the bamboo north of westchester is sheltered by hardwoods and will not reach published sizes. A bamboo from a division should mature in 7 to 10 years if it will be happy in its new location. Ph vivax 4 to 5 inches over 40 feet ph robert young 3 to 4 inches 30 plus feet ph rubomarginata 2 to 3 inches 30 feet-- good for crafts ph nigra 1.5 and 25 feet ph aurosulcata variants 2 inches 30 feet--- not good for crafts --- distributed through government farm programs for research and promotion north shore of LI Is it the wall thickness which makes a bamboo good for crafts? The thicker the wall the better I suppose. |
#15
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
Pierre Lanuéjols wrote:
"downhill" You are not in a good area to get large diameter bamboo for crafts. Just too cold, you might get micro climates to get some growth but it will not be consistent. Found most of the bamboo north of westchester is sheltered by hardwoods and will not reach published sizes. A bamboo from a division should mature in 7 to 10 years if it will be happy in its new location. Ph vivax 4 to 5 inches over 40 feet ph robert young 3 to 4 inches 30 plus feet ph rubomarginata 2 to 3 inches 30 feet-- good for crafts ph nigra 1.5 and 25 feet ph aurosulcata variants 2 inches 30 feet--- not good for crafts --- distributed through government farm programs for research and promotion north shore of LI Is it the wall thickness which makes a bamboo good for crafts? The thicker the wall the better I suppose. Would depend on what craft your outputting. Basket weaving uses the outer shell for weaving and strips the inner softer wood away. Almost any will work with weaving if aged bamboo is used, and using a preservative on a single piece basic has a decent life span The problem with using bamboo grown in US is the inability to kill bamboo borers and other pests in the curing process. The method of curing bamboo that works is not permitted to be done in US due to toxicity. I bought a package of bamboo utensils at a shop in NYC chinatown. The package was sealed and had an air bubble in it. After leaving the package on a shelf by the window for a few weeks. I noticed tiny holes in the utensils. With further inspection I noticed bamboo borers and the package was still sealed with air pressure. If you think I do not know what I am talking about put a white sheet of paper under a bamboo item let it sit for two months shake the item over the paper before removing it. Examine the remains, if you see an excessive amount of yellow dust examine the item for small holes.including bamboo flooring |
#16
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
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#17
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo
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Has anyone turned bamboo?
"downhill" wrote in message ... JimR wrote: wrote in message ster.com... [snip] Incidentally, I'd love to grow the giant bamboo. I've only seen it growing in warm-to-hot climates and I'm wondering if it would survive my downstate NY winters. Other bamboos do okay, though. Any thoughts? Nemo You are not in a good area to get large diameter bamboo for crafts. Just too cold, you might get micro climates to get some growth but it will not be consistent. Found most of the bamboo north of westchester is sheltered by hardwoods and will not reach published sizes. A bamboo from a division should mature in 7 to 10 years if it will be happy in its new location. Ph vivax 4 to 5 inches over 40 feet ph robert young 3 to 4 inches 30 plus feet ph rubomarginata 2 to 3 inches 30 feet-- good for crafts ph nigra 1.5 and 25 feet ph aurosulcata variants 2 inches 30 feet--- not good for crafts --- distributed through government farm programs for research and promotion north shore of LI Thanks for the info. I have taken a second look at my various bamboo plots and I have discovered that in addition to phyllostachis aureosulcata I have also some (not much) phyllostachis vivax (walls are much thicker, some yellow stripes on the culms and no grooves). I do not know how this came about, whoever gave me my original specimens must have included the two varieties. My vivax and aureosulcata are doing reasonnable OK considering the area (Putnam County, NY), my largest culms are about 32 mm in diameter now (one and a quarter inch) and increasing a little each year. There is a high mortality among the young shoots in the spring (about 1/3 abort) I think that 2 inches in diameter is the most that I can expect and maybe 30-35 ft high considering the area. |
#18
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo
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(Becoming OT) Has anyone turned bamboo?
"JimR" wrote snip snip snip Giant timber bamboo is Bambusa oldhamii and is a semi-tropical variety. I cut some today to thin out the clump and the ones I cut were about 40' tall. The grove is 8 years old. Side note - I cut the first ones on Saturday and noticed some new shoots coming out of the ground. I finished the work today, and the new shoots are already about 4' tall and about 6" in diameter. What is the internode distance of your bamboo and the wall thickness of the culm at mid height? What do you do with the culms that you have cut? Now that many of my culms have reached a "decent" diameter (1.25 inch do not laugh!) I plan to use some of them for a kind of simple decorative mini- fence which I have seen described in a book about japanese gardens and similar things. It has proved to be a great source of shade, keeping that part of the house much cooler. It's also thick enought to be protective bird habitat and I've got cardinals, jays, etc. that stay there. It also is, unfortunately, a great source of leaf litter . . . I have noticed that birds like to take refuge in my little groves but they do not nest there... I have also noticed the leaf litter (!) but I rake it and use it as mulch. I believe in your area you can probably grow Phyllostachis nigra, black bamboo, which is a beautiful plant, but needs to be controlled. I've got several extra root-culm sections to dig up if anyone within reach of central Florida is interested -- if no takers I'll plant them in a couple of large pots at our front door, where the golden goddess bamboo has outgrown the pots. Thank you for your suggestion, |
#19
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo
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(Becoming OT) Has anyone turned bamboo?
"Pierre Lanuéjols" wrote in message . .. "JimR" wrote snip snip snip Giant timber bamboo is Bambusa oldhamii and is a semi-tropical variety. I cut some today to thin out the clump and the ones I cut were about 40' tall. The grove is 8 years old. Side note - I cut the first ones on Saturday and noticed some new shoots coming out of the ground. I finished the work today, and the new shoots are already about 4' tall and about 6" in diameter. What is the internode distance of your bamboo and the wall thickness of the culm at mid height? What do you do with the culms that you have cut? Now that many of my culms have reached a "decent" diameter (1.25 inch do not laugh!) I plan to use some of them for a kind of simple decorative mini- fence which I have seen described in a book about japanese gardens and similar things. It has proved to be a great source of shade, keeping that part of the house much cooler. It's also thick enought to be protective bird habitat and I've got cardinals, jays, etc. that stay there. It also is, unfortunately, a great source of leaf litter . . . I have noticed that birds like to take refuge in my little groves but they do not nest there... I have also noticed the leaf litter (!) but I rake it and use it as mulch. I believe in your area you can probably grow Phyllostachis nigra, black bamboo, which is a beautiful plant, but needs to be controlled. I've got several extra root-culm sections to dig up if anyone within reach of central Florida is interested -- if no takers I'll plant them in a couple of large pots at our front door, where the golden goddess bamboo has outgrown the pots. Thank you for your suggestion, Mostly I've just cut to keep the grove under control, trimmed off the side growth, and stored the lengths temporarily until I have time to do something with them. I've got plans to put a bamboo fence around the well area, perhaps use some of the material to make a low fence along the driveway, and perhaps figure out some way to make a hammock stand. I've also thought about making salt / pepper holders, decorating the mailbox post at street side, wind chimes, and bird feeders. That's after we finish the current spring housecleaning and clean-up, which we schedule for once a year. (The current work is the one scheduled for the spring of 2004. . .) Of course I also plan on winning the lottery, and with my track record of to-do items I'll probably get started on the bamboo work at about the same time the lottery comes in -- |
#21
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo
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(Becoming OT) Has anyone turned bamboo?
"JimR" wrote in message m... [snip] I just came across an interesting web page, http://www.bambus.de/1000; click on the "1000 things" link at the top to page through a series of photos of items made of bamboo -- everything from a bicycle to a set of drums! |
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