Mark Meckes
4th February 2001, 03:44 PM
--- lafing moon wrote:
I believe it is Phyllostachys aureosulcata. The groove is not a very bright yellow, but it is definately yellow and their are two sprouts at each node.
Now that I know which species it is, I can start on finding other projects to work on with it.
When I prepare the bamboo for my pipes, I do not have alot of detail work I do to them. I have a very large shed which I lay the bamboo flat and allow it to air dry completely. Yes this takes a long time but I do have separate piles in which were stored at different times. Which allows me to constantly have a supply while the others are drying. Once dry, I cut the shoots to the size i need, I sand the outside of the shoots to make a smooth surface. I do not bake them to give them a tan color, for the fact that my pipes are all handpainted. I do use a wire brush to remove the inside, making the pipe more presentable. I no longer remove the node. Not only
are my pipes handed painted but I have on occassion done woodburning designs on them also. They have turned out beautifully. I make all my pipes for ornamental purposes unless I get a specific request from someone I know will use it for what it was intended.
I would love to know which other species grow well in Pennsylvania since your are a fellow Pennsylvanian.
Would love to have a variety on my property.
Jan
Hello Jan,
It's great to hear of your pipe creations, and methods of working with `Yellow Groove Bamboo'.
Another ID of this bamboo is that sometimes near the base of the culm, it zig-zags. Also the surface of the culms have a rough sandpaper feel, compared to other Phyllostachys species. This can be rubbed/polished
smooth, or as you mentioned, the waxy surface can be sanded prior to painting.
This species has a greater tendency to weather faster outdoors, and more care is needed to prevent larger pieces from cracking and splitting. It's a real benefit that you have a storage cover for your bamboo as this helps to preserve it's integrity.
I've found that Phyllostachys aureosulcata isn't quite as strong as some Phyllostachys. It has a tendency to split open more, and age faster outside, but it has the advantage of being able to grow to a good size in
colder areas. With careful selection, much can be made with this variety.
It also makes good material for splitting and weaving.
Mark
I believe it is Phyllostachys aureosulcata. The groove is not a very bright yellow, but it is definately yellow and their are two sprouts at each node.
Now that I know which species it is, I can start on finding other projects to work on with it.
When I prepare the bamboo for my pipes, I do not have alot of detail work I do to them. I have a very large shed which I lay the bamboo flat and allow it to air dry completely. Yes this takes a long time but I do have separate piles in which were stored at different times. Which allows me to constantly have a supply while the others are drying. Once dry, I cut the shoots to the size i need, I sand the outside of the shoots to make a smooth surface. I do not bake them to give them a tan color, for the fact that my pipes are all handpainted. I do use a wire brush to remove the inside, making the pipe more presentable. I no longer remove the node. Not only
are my pipes handed painted but I have on occassion done woodburning designs on them also. They have turned out beautifully. I make all my pipes for ornamental purposes unless I get a specific request from someone I know will use it for what it was intended.
I would love to know which other species grow well in Pennsylvania since your are a fellow Pennsylvanian.
Would love to have a variety on my property.
Jan
Hello Jan,
It's great to hear of your pipe creations, and methods of working with `Yellow Groove Bamboo'.
Another ID of this bamboo is that sometimes near the base of the culm, it zig-zags. Also the surface of the culms have a rough sandpaper feel, compared to other Phyllostachys species. This can be rubbed/polished
smooth, or as you mentioned, the waxy surface can be sanded prior to painting.
This species has a greater tendency to weather faster outdoors, and more care is needed to prevent larger pieces from cracking and splitting. It's a real benefit that you have a storage cover for your bamboo as this helps to preserve it's integrity.
I've found that Phyllostachys aureosulcata isn't quite as strong as some Phyllostachys. It has a tendency to split open more, and age faster outside, but it has the advantage of being able to grow to a good size in
colder areas. With careful selection, much can be made with this variety.
It also makes good material for splitting and weaving.
Mark