Knocking out nodes - Flutemaking

[saxofoner]

I just wanted to say, Marek, I like your book, but you say you use large drill bits to knock out nodes? That works, but I got a $30 bit that just mostly splits the stuff. And a < $1.00 rebar works just as well.

[marekgold]

Glad you like my book. Just want to say that the whole idea of working with bamboo is use what works for you. The tools I use work for me very well but as is stated many times in the book, creativity is what it's all about.

With regard to your tool splitting the bambool Well I'd say you are using the incorrect size bit or the wrong speed of the drill or your technique is at fault.

Maybe you are using a bit that is too big? This would definitely split the bamboo. I use auger bits which are smaller than the bore size. The idea of knocking out the nodes is not to get a perfect finish the first time. You get most of the node out this way, then you polish the bore later on.

And yes of course you can just use a piece of steel rod too. I find I have much more precise control using auger bits but as I said use what works for you.

[thogoul]

hi node knockers!
what i use for nodes is a piece of iron turned to red in the fire
it works very good (also i love the smell of burning bamboo)
and when i let this hot iron inside the bamboo it's drying it from inside
like this, the bamboo gets dry without getting a black burned aspect.
I also burn with iron the holes (it's going much faster than the technique I was using before)
from your experiences what are the differences in those two techniques?
.iron burning
.drilling

[sound world]

Re:busting through nodes-I don't drill through or heat my metal bar (just various sizes and diameters of old piping),just bash it through them.Never had a disaster in 15 years! (Mind you I only use dry bamboo).