How to prevent bamboo from splitting

[Bamboodist]

Does anyone know of a technique to prevent bamboo splitting, or to reduce the splitting??

Is there some kind of grease that can keep the fibers moist??

[Mark Mortimer]

Hi Bamboodist.

I know of no sure fire way to avoid splitting. But certain precautions can be taken to reduce the amount of splitting.

Avoid species which split a lot. Phyllostachys Nigra henonis spring to mind. It splits like crazy.

Only use properly harvested and seasoned bamboo.

If it's of the Phyllostachys genera, I find heating the culm until it exudes the resins which you then wipe off helps.

Avoid exposure to great swings in temperature.

Finally, bamboo is likely to split eventually. Use construction methods which minimise the effects of this when it happens.

Hope it helps,

Cheers, Mark

[Bamboodist]

Sure does help. Thanks.

When you say:
"Only use properly harvested and seasoned bamboo."
Is it better to cut younger poles to avoid splitting?

I was also wondering if it helps to puncture the nodes to let out some air...?

[Mark Mortimer]

No.
There is a general consenus of opinion that the following criteria should be used when harvesting and curing bamboo:

Harvest only culms which are at least three years old, and not more than about five to seven depending on species. This is due to the changes which occur in the structure of the culm wall. Any younger, max strength hasn't been achieved. any older and it gets brittle.

Once harvested store in a covered airy place. the culms should air dry over a few months. in the sun, they will crack and degrade. With not enough air they might go mouldy.

More information can be found in the archives, as this is a topic which is covered fom time to time. I think Mark Meckes's is going to make an FAQ page with all this kind of stuff. i've just glossed over the topic, but there's lots to be discussed about it, like when to harvest, grove management, other drying techniques etc
Cheers, Mark

[TribalWind]

a Faq or how-to guide for harvesting/curing methods would be absolutely Fantastic, ive seen so many varying opinions and techniques,

one guy i read about,claims he's Never had 1 of his flutes crack,using this method
(all made from ph. aurea'golden')

he actually cuts the culms in Summer,when all sugars are still in it.then heats with torch to get the resins to rise out and wipes it evenly around the pole letting it stay on and cool, says it makes it somewhat water resistant also. few days of drying and it's ready for working. i havent tried this yet but will do so this spring/summer with a few pieces

[Bamboodist]

Cool, thanks for all the info.. An FAQ would be great.

I just ordered some books from Amazon.com...
-Contemporary Japanese Bamboo art
-Grow your own house
-Bamboo in Japan

I am eventually going to order these:
-Building with Bamboo
-Guadua, Bamboo architecture and design
-The book of bamboo

Does anyone have any books on bamboo to suggest...

[Strider_1952]

Do we really know what causes splitting. I have studied how to grow bamboo. Where do i look to learn how it is put together and what makes it spit in the first place.

Michael

[Mark Mortimer]

michael,
I think a book you may be interested in is "The Anatomy of Bamboo Culms" by Dr. Walter Liese.
It is very technical, but that may be what you want. It's extremely interesting even for the layperson, wonderful electron microscope photos.
It's an INBAR(International network for bamboo and rattan) publication, but amazingly, you can download it free on their website: here's the link:
http://www.inbar.int/publication/txt/tr18/default.htm
Hope it's your thang, Mark

[Strider_1952]

Thank you for your direction. It is what i am looking for, even if i do not get the answers i want or are looking for.

[Strider_1952]

I read the book. The only new clue on splitting I got is that the nodes are more porous at the sheath scar that the rest of the culm. I am still looking and long for more good information of this sort.

[Strider_1952]

Besides forgetting to sign my message, I forgot to mention that the books really does describe how the culm is put together. And not just for one variety, but many with the differences called out in many instances. I would recommend it to everyone who has the patiences to stumble through all of the techinical name calling.
Hint: If you are going to read it, print the glossary first to have it handy while reading.

michael mcmillon