May I post about bamboo?

[Volvo_ST1]

I'm trying to dry out 6 feet of bamboo without cracks (not an obscene word in this context) developing. Unfortunately, I can't get my hands on still green bamboo. All I find is mostly dry bamboo at the gardener's supply shops.

I have tried three times so far, and each time I bring a piece of bamboo indoors it will develop a crack within a week. I did push a rod (not an obscene word in this context) through the bamboo to take out the internodes (not an obscene word), because supposedly changes in air pressure can make the internodial region (not an obscene expression) expand and crack. Even after the "venting" procedure the bamboo went on to develop a 5 inch long hairline fissure (not an obscene word).

How can I prevent cracks from forming? Or do I have to start out with a truly green piece of bamboo? If I need green bamoboo, where do I get it? I checked nurseries (not an obscene word) and they were clueless. The botanical garden may be my last, albeit illegal option. Where's my saw?

Addendum (not an obscene word): bamboo (Just in case someone doesn't know what bamboo is)

 

[Hallmark]

Originally Posted By: Volvo_ST1
...illegal option.


CENSORED...no such covert options are permitted within the bounds of human activity on this planet!

Resubmit your inquiry!

 

[urrlord]

do you have river cane in your area?it is a relative of bamboo ,usually seen as cane fishing poles.I have also seen it planted as a barrier grove as it will get very thick and provide good privacy.good luck.

 

[Volvo_ST1]

I don't know anything about river cane. Is that stuff suitable for making a bo (not an obscene word)?

EDIT: A quick search says yes, river cane may work. I'm not sure it's easier to find than bamboo, though!

 

[FL_Rob]

http://www.bamboogarden.com/Shipping cost.htm
A little pricey but legal.We have Bamboo around here but shipping to WA would probably be cost prohibitive.
http://www.bamboogarden.com/default.htm#Bamboo Pictures
edit:better link

 

[Ken42]

Where I work here in Spokane we have Bamboo solid wood and veneer. I do not know and have always wondered how it is made.
Quite the nice looking stuff though.
Ken

 

[Volvo_ST1]

Maybe I'll try craiglist:

"Need 6 foot length of columnar bamboo. Must be green. Will pay top dollar!"

 

[Volvo_ST1]

Originally Posted By: Ken42
Where I work here in Spokane we have Bamboo solid wood and veneer. I do not know and have always wondered how it is made.
Quite the nice looking stuff though.
Ken


I've actually seen surfboards made out bamboo veneer!

 

[Nick R]

Unfortunately I do not know how to help with your plight, but I did LOL at your post.

 

[Volvo_ST1]

I could borrow some bamboo from Kung Fu Panda Bear.

 

[PandaBear]

Usually my understanding is that if the material dry too fast it will crack (both wood and bamboo, especially bamboo), especially those dry for a different climate than sold. This happens to many of my friend's furniture when they move them across and between continents.

Do you want just GREEN bamboo for a short period of time for decoration? or do you need the structure of a bamboo for some project? Maybe buying green and keeping it moist is the best way to do it.

 

[The_Jeff]

You need to transform one of your spare bedrooms into a walk in humidor. This will also solve your cigar storage dilemma.

 

[Volvo_ST1]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Usually my understanding is that if the material dry too fast it will crack (both wood and bamboo, especially bamboo), especially those dry for a different climate than sold. This happens to many of my friend's furniture when they move them across and between continents.

Do you want just GREEN bamboo for a short period of time for decoration? or do you need the structure of a bamboo for some project? Maybe buying green and keeping it moist is the best way to do it.



The internal tension of wood (no obscene meaning implied), which is caused by shrinkage and expansion due to hygroscopy (not an obscene word) is the most common cause of wood cracking. If one manages the initial drying-out process well, cracking can be avoided.

While technically speaking bamboo is not wood but grass, both share this tendency to crack. Bamboo has the added problem of internodial (not an obscene word) sections, which are airtight compartments. The resulting internal pressure that may occur due to air pressure differential can crack the dry bamboo.

I am trying to make a very light bo. Green wood is unsuitable for that purpose.

The issue is finding bamboo that has been properly dried, or finding a piece of green bamboo that I can dry myself.

 

[Volvo_ST1]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
You need to transform one of your spare bedrooms into a walk in humidor. This will also solve your cigar storage dilemma.

Shouldn't you be at the patent office?

 

[Kestas]

Volvo_ST1, I can see you're lashing out at the censors on this board in an ever so subtle way, probably because we removed one of your posts. It's irritating and immature, please stop.

 

[Volvo_ST1]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
Volvo_ST1, I can see you're lashing out at the censors on this board in an ever so subtle way, probably because we removed one of your posts. It's irritating and immature, please stop.


Lashing out in a subtle way? That's an oxymoron.

I have been making sure there wouldn't be any confusion over potentially offensive words and expressions.

Why no PM? It's the preferred way of settling issues here, isn't it?

 

[Tempest]

Quote:
The internal tension of wood (no obscene meaning implied), which is caused by shrinkage and expansion due to hygroscopy (not an obscene word) is the most common cause of wood cracking. If one manages the initial drying-out process well, cracking can be avoided.

This is known as "checking" in the woodworking industry. "Avoided" maybe too strong a word. It all depends on the piece of wood. Properly dried wood takes a kiln and is a major operation conducted at lumber mills.

The company I work for has used flattened, dried bamboo in the past and it is a real PITA to work with. It is highly unstable and absorbs moisture easily.

 

[Volvo_ST1]

Maybe bamboo shouldn't be my top choice. I like it because it's so strong, light, and hollow.

 

[Tempest]

I just did a quick search online and you can get a bamboo bo for like $30. Seems a lot easier than trying to make one.

Your state gets a lot of rain. Is it possible for you plant bamboo? It grows incredibly fast.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: Volvo_ST1
Maybe bamboo shouldn't be my top choice. I like it because it's so strong, light, and hollow.


It is strong if you get the right kind and size. The construction industry in Hong Kong use it for all sorts of temporary frames and do not have problems.

Originally Posted By: Tempest
Your state gets a lot of rain. Is it possible for you plant bamboo? It grows incredibly fast.


It grow so fast that you cannot get rid of it later. It is very damaging to foundations and is harder to deal with than weed (which it is a type of except much stronger).