Quick drying bamboo for a bow backing

This is a video showing the "burn cure" method for quick drying bamboo.
I intend to use this bamboo to back a few bows I'll be making.
I've made a post on http://www.thebowyersden.com/forum/index.php relating to this, so you can look there for more info.
Bamboo is great for backing bows with, because its tension strength is amazing.
But, it has to be dried out, and I'm not very patient.
Hence the "quick dry" method. :-)

I've never done this before. If anyone thinks I've done it wrong, let me know. I've finished this one, but it might save others some headaches.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• bamboo
• drying
• bow

[kauboy9816]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Sorry it took so long to respond.

I'm not sure what kind of boo it is, it was given to me

Glad to hear so many are benefitting from this demo!

[sphillips5319]

I was just going to mention that you should make sure to puncture the node membranes inside the stalk; I'm glad you mentioned it. depending on how you dry the bamboo, if the node membranes are not punctured, it could cause the nodes to pop. I've never had this happen to me, but i've heard that it does happen.

Thanks for the video! i've never tried this method of drying bamboo, but it looks very effective. Does the bamboo keep it's glossy finish after cooling down?

[kauboy9816]

Yes, it does stay glossy. The resin hardens, and forms a solid coat that won't wear off easily. Mine is still glossy.

I supposed, depending on abuse, it could wear away, but it doesn't just dry up, if that's what you're wondering.

[clixsense]

I am wanting to dry bamboo with this but I need a blow torch this looks perfect do you know where I can buy one just like this?

[kauboy9816]

Sure do.

I bought this one at Lowes. It's a home improvement hardware store, if you've never heard of it. Home Depot sells them too.

I've also seen them at Wal-Mart.

You have to go back to the plumbing department. You'll find solder and stuff, and you should see this same torch.

I would recommend a better starter flame than I used, lol.

I just use a lighter, but this one was corroded up pretty bad.

Start with a very low amount of gas until you get it sparked, then you can turn it up a little.

[paigehowarth]

Thanks, I'm about to try this myself.

[kauboy9816]

Good luck to you!

About a week after doing this, I sliced the piece into three strips.

I checked the inside, and did notice a slight bit of mold.

I think this was because I never punctured the node membranes inside to allow it to dry.

If you can, I highly recommend driving a long piece of rebar or something down through it to poke a hole in each section's membrane.

This will allow the inside to dry quicker.

[shatomea]

One thing i like to do is take a palm sander and sand off the outside part of the bamboo to get down to the wood part. Then I go over it with a torch to finish drying out the moisture. Ive found that this helps to quickly dry the bamboo with less cracking. Also you can wood burn many symbols right on to the wood for decoration. I do this for my bamboo flutes. Great video :)

[4micaman]

A slight hint of caution. When using this method, if you get the culm to hot, it will "explode" on you. Of course, if you've gotten it hot enough to do so, then you'd gone to dad-blame far anyhow. To test this, put a piece of bamboo in a burn pile, ignite the pile and move away.

I've spent the summer cutting back an invasive running bamboo from my backyard. The first pile I burnt off, the cops showed up saying they had reports of multiple gun shots. They came running into the back, guns drawn.

[bboishowoff]

what kinda bamboo is that becuzz my bamboo have knuckles on it and your dont???

[moonkeya]

Thanks a lot for demonstrating this. I just cut down a ton of bamboo and I didn't want to wait 6 months for it to naturally cure. I will be trying this tonight! Thanks again :)

[mvpbeachperson]

if you do this and then let it sit in your garage for a little while the mold should go away without puncturing the nodes

[sphillips5319]

Thanks, that answered my question.