Bending Bamboo video

[BambuBota]

I have uploaded a 13 minute video at Google Video on Bending Bamboo. I have video taped two different craftsmen in Mexico showing the process. This newest version is located at

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7914646950791304015

Another 1 minute version is available for viewing at

(Edit: link not working ..)MM

Enjoy,

Gib Cooper

[Mark Meckes]

Very cool Gib! Thanks!
If a pic is worth a thousand words a video clip is worth a gazillion!
I especially like the rooster crowing in the background!

(See this thread (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1940) about uploading video clips

It appeared that during bending most of the flame was directed at the inner side of the piece being bent.

How recently harvested was the bamboo, and how long after harvesting, or to what stage of dryness can the tightest curves be bent?

Mark

[Mark Mortimer]

I came accross this great video on Google about how to bend whole culms of bamboo. It uses the method of knocking out the nodes, then filling the hollow culm with sand. Then heating and applying pressure.
Great little video, a textbook bamboo-bend.
here's the link:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7914646950791304015&q=BENDING+BAMBOO
The video is by Gib Cooper, one of the most prolific workers in the bamboo world, tirelesly protecting endangered bamboo species in the Americas.
Cheers,
Mark

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Mark,
Gib beat you to it. :) but it's great to be reminded of it again.
(His post was in the Working with Bamboo forum and has now been moved to this Bending Bamboo forum and merged with your post)

Cheers,
Mark

[Mark Mortimer]

Yes,
I was a few months out, but as you say it's still a great resource.
I have uploaded two photos of my attempt.

See Bamboo bending test - P. n. 'Henon' (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2387)

[javanaut]

Just wondering if heat bending as in the video will affect the overall strength/stiffness of the material. I'm considering bending some 1" culms for part of a bike frame. Thanks!

[CaroleMeckes]

I think it would be safe to say that heating and bending the bamboo would increase its strength.

If anyone knows better or disagrees, please post here,
Carole