Handy hook - 3rd hand for debranching bamboo

[Mark Meckes]

A portable saw horse and a 3rd hand when debranching bamboo, I'm pretty impressed with this gizmo, which now accompanies me in during debranching in the grove.

http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/509/thumbs/HandyHook-060507-2812.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1518)
Sold in the paint/hardware store as a hook to attach to a ladder and hold a paint can. (Less than US $3)

http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/509/thumbs/HandyHook060506-2792.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1517)
Clipped to my belt, it provides a perfect height to hold the bamboo pole during debranching in the grove. (and slips in my back pocket too, when not in use)
Here it's Phyllostachys aurea being debranched.

http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/509/thumbs/HandyHook060506-2794.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1516)
A light cut is made on the V (upward) side of the branch, then a final cut is made at the base/juncture of the two branches.
Having 2 hands free during the cutting provides for a more accurate/less scarred cut.

Mark

[fred4999]

Mark I like the third hand holder, I will have to pick one up the next time I am at the hardware store.

I use a hand bypass pruner to cut the branches - it works well for me. I wonder if I were to just stick the cut branches in the sandy portion of my creek bottom would it root? I am going to try it after this cold spell passes us here in west central Georgia.

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Fred,
This is especially handy if I need both hands free and saves dropping the pole midway and having to stoop down and pick it up.
Cutting the branches off flush at the node without scarring or cutting into the pole requires more precision, benefited by having both hands free to hold the bamboo/branch and make the cut, and then sometimes I like to put aside these branches for other uses.
I may even get another hook for my right side to hang my saw from. :)

Usually though, I use a bypass pruner and like to leave a branch stub as shown ...
http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/503/thumbs/PaurTopsAuTX070203-4578.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=3831)
... for reasons explained in the pic.

Interesting topic about branch cuttings, which I've split over to a new thread:
Propagating bamboo by branch cuttings? (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2353)
... and will reply to shortly.

Cheers,
Mark