bending bamboo poles for hoophouse

[rivercaneroundbelli]

thanks for being here and glad to find you. i've been travelling around the web and then this site for over an hour looking for info on.....the technique for bending poles where you put a notch or notches between the nodes (i think that's the right word)...

i am building a bamboo hoophouse that will cover an airstream (under renovation). ultimately the hoophouse will/may provide shade, food, medicine, beauty (vines), rainwater catchment, outdoor kitchen, living space...

i'm wanting to use two poles to make each hoop with the pole tops bending just with pressure to make the top of the hoop... but needing to bend lower where the bamboo is maybe 2 1/2 to 3" across. the poles are 18 ft plus and green.

some specific things i'm wondering about....

1. any links on this appreciated. i've seen pics/links bfore but no luck today (did find plenty of fire bending links)
2. how far in should i be cutting the notch to preserve to strength of the pole?
3. are there any guidelines about how many notches per certain length at certain diameter???
4. one side of the hoophouse will be attached to a 5 foot tall chainlink fence (to use the existing structure)

much appreciation for any help on this technique in general and specific.

rivercaneroundbelli

[CaroleMeckes]

Hello rivercaneroundbelli (your name conjures up some interesting images)
Welculm (it gets confusing trying to spell welcome in the non bamboo world)

Here is a picture of a rounded bamboo wreath that Mark Meckes made some time ago.

He notched the bamboo to make it bend.
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/1/thumbs/DSCN4199MarkNotches.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1806)

Here is a closeup of one of the notches:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/1/thumbs/DSCN4200MarkNotch.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1805)

Hope this will help with your planning.
Carole

[jmac1711]

Hi rivercaneroundbelli:

I am new to this forum too and found your post interesting. I am thinking about building the frame for a greenhouse. (Hoop type) Please keep us updated on your progress. I am searching for some building specs./plans.

Jane


[QUOTE=rivercaneroundbelli;11080]thanks for being here and glad to find you. i've been travelling around the web and then this site for over an hour looking for info on.....the technique for bending poles where you put a notch or notches between the nodes (i think that's the right word)...

i am building a bamboo hoophouse that will cover an airstream (under renovation).