Circular saws for cutting bamboo

[Mark Meckes]

I'm of the group of artisans who is not carpentry orientated, that is.. I've rarely used circular saws, planers, jointers, routers, and other more specific wood-shop/carpentry skills, so as a newbie to these tools, I'm interested to learn how well they can be used on bamboo.

What type of circular saw and how have you used it on bamboo?

From what I can tell, circular power saws can be defined in these categories:
- Hand-held circular saws
- Radial-arm saws
- Table saws
- Chop saws
- Chain saws

Here's a pic of what's known as a chop saw, below...
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/514/thumbs/332ThangmakerLakeTravis.jpg
Preparing bamboo trimwork for the Cabana (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=412) - Thangmaker

Here's another post (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2780#post2780) about using one to cut a vertical slot down a bamboo pole.

[Steve]

I am making some prototypes out of Tonkin bamboo, need a clean cut and don't want to spend too much! I was considering a Ryobi 10 inch miter box and comes with a 40 tooth blade. What blade will give me a smooth cut?

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Steve,
I was given some recommendations but lost my notes :( ... if I don't find them ... or no one else writes in ... I'll be seeing the person in a couple weeks ...

Meanwhile ... to prevent fraying of the cut edge, wrap some masking tape around the part to be cut.
Give it a test with and without masking tape and let us know the results.

Cheers,
Mark