Cutting out shapes in bamboo using a sabre/jigsaw

[timmydoo]

hi Mark.... ive been playing with burning techniques and im getting some cool results.... im recently trying to cut some simple sculptures with my band saw but im running the blade into places on the other side that i dont want to cut.... bumms me out when i make a nice patern on 1 side and find the other side butchered!!! i think i saw that you use a sabre saw as well.... how do you maintain control of the saw and the bamboo?? do you mount the saw to a table to free up a hand or clamp the bamboo???

mucho thanx, kel

by the way.... your work is incredible!! :)

[Mark Meckes]

Hi kel, glad you like my tinkerings :)
I've been wanting to write about ways I've used a jigsaw to cut out various shapes. (cutting bamboo in the round)
I need some time, (busy week ahead) to go through my pics/notes and I will get back to you.

What diameter range of bamboo are you working with?

For reference, here's also a thread about ...
Cutting out a one sided slot in a small dia. bamboo using a jigsaw (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?p=6602#post6602)

Mark

[timmydoo]

Mark, that would be great when ya get a chance.... your tinkerings are exceptional!

yeah, im busy myself here too..... gettin ready for the winter fire wood splitting, tryin to start a business on ebay.... job hunting.... tending the chickens and goats.... when my free time occurs.. lol... usually after 9 pm, im up to the shop playin with my bamboo...

so far im workin with almost 3" diameter but theres slightly larger i can get when i have time... may order some off the internet at some point...


thanx, kel

[sir_h_c]

I think a spiral saw may be what you are looking for. It has a scroll saw like function to cut good details but is depth adjustable. Here is harbor freight's version:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93919

it works well for me cutting through thin material expecially; never tried it on bamboo.