Flattening Bamboo

[razorback]

I need some pointers in how to go about flattening a piece of Bamboo. Are there any how-to threads out there, I couldn't find any with a search.

[Apex Predator]

You start with a large enough diameter, that you can cut away everything that's not flat and still have a workable width piece.  

[Osagetree]

Look on that video internet site. There is a good video.

[b.glass]

I have used a jointer but have recently started using my belt sander and I like using it better. But I have to be careful or I'll take too much off of one side. I check my work frequently.

[Roy from Pa]

I use a jointer, but you need to be very careful with jointers. They like to eat fingers. Always use the push pads over top of your work piece.

[razorback]

Checked out the video and it gave some good ideas, but not real good for a beginner. He has done it so many times that he has forgotten that free hand cutting on a table saw is not done without a ton of mistakes to start with    When do you take the rind off the back and how do you treat the nodes. Also should I cut it to the profile of the bow before I thin it.
Thanks for all the input.

[Roy from Pa]

You can remove the rind at anytime, just sand the nodes a little to take off the sharp edge. You could flatten the belly of the boo with a bandsaw, using a guide on the saw. Then use a long sanding block to get it smoother...

[bigcountry]

I start with a joiner and end with a sander.  Takes forever with the sander.

[GINKSTER]

I use all the above methods and each one has it's merits. I don't remove the rind until I'm ready to finish the bow. The rind adds a layer of protection from excess glue and also helps to protect from dings and scratches.

[Sam Harper]

I draw the shape on the belly first, then cut that out with a band saw.  Then I cut most of the rind away with the band saw.  Then I use a belt sander to flatten it the rest of the way.

[Mike Mecredy]

I run it through my drum sander on a strip of 1/2" thick styrofoam insulation, nodes down, so it don't get any dips where the noded are.  I take off about .025 at a time until it's flat.

I know everyone doesn't have a drum sander, but if you make lots of bows harbor freight sells a model for about $475. I got one over a year ago and have been using it everyday (except Sat and Sun) with no problems.

-Mike

[Roy from Pa]

Sam? Not much rind to remove on Boo. I can't see how you could cut the rind off? The rind is the thin coating on the back side of the Boo..

[razorback]

I think Sam may be talking about the pith, unless he has god like control of his band saw.

Thanks for all the replies guys, I will use a combination of these methods to come up with a usable piece. I have a bunch of bamboo that isn't big enough for a bow that I can practice on.

[Loren Holland]

silly question. i know you can steam and also heat bend bamboo, so can you heat flatten bamboo to make use of those pieces that would otherwise be too narrow?  i am sure that commercially thats how some of those planks are made from pressure flattening with an industrial size heating and hammer or press.  i tried the heat gun and a vice...didn't work so good. came to the conclusion that for the labor involved, it would be better to just buy it. i was just curious if anyone had been successful at this before.  and any tips for heat bending bamboo for shaping better limb profiles?

[razorback]

Good question Loren. If I could do that I would have a whole bunch of usable boo.

[kodiakkid]

Like b.glass I too use my belt sander. I also have to be very careful not to wind up with one edge thicker than the other. I usually start with a piece 2 1/2 - 3" wide to end up with a
1 1/2" width. It's kinda slow but I'm a beginner and for me slow is good. Paul<><

[Sam Harper]

Yeah, the pith.  My bad.  :-)

[Roy from Pa]

I know Boo is sweet for backing. But I also know it can be a PAIN in the butt:)

[razorback]

Roy, you have to stop sitting on the splinters  

[Roy from Pa]

LOL, that's happened:)