NEED SOME TIPS AND ADVICE.

[pyrocarver]

Hello Folks,
Have viewed many of the completed projects, all superbly done, and being new to working with bamboo, I have a few questions. Any assistance will be appreciated.
Mark,
How did you color your projects? Beautiful black and other colors. Is it dye, stain, paint?
What do you do for surface prep prior to using the products?

In addition, can you explain the heating methods to me and tell me what to expect, when to use, etc?
Sounds like it would be fun project with interesting results.

Last for today. What type saw do you use to cut some of the figures with. All I have tried to date, is bandsaw and know I could not cut figures as you do with that type machine.
Would a sabre saw do the trick or is there something better?

Thank you, in advance.
God Bless.

Ray

[CaroleMeckes]

Hi Ray,
I will try to answer for Mark, as he passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2007. That is why you may have noticed that he is so "quiet" now - we are grateful that he left us this legacy with his many posts and pictures and created this site. It's up to all of us now - to continue on...
You can read a little bit about Mark here: http://mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2087218

now for your questions:
How did you color your projects? Beautiful black and other colors. Is it dye, stain, paint?
I think you are probably referring to some of the works that Mark used a propane torch on. If you could post a link to a specific picture - I could be more exact.

Sometimes he used paint and sometimes - before I met him - he used fiberactive dyes. He would often paint the inside part of a sculpture if the bamboo had "stains".

What do you do for surface prep prior to using the products?
re surface prep: First we always wash the outside surface of the bamboo, and final finishing entails sanding and filing.

In addition, can you explain the heating methods to me and tell me what to expect, when to use, etc?
here is a link to some pictures in the Bamboo Workshop gallery (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showgallery.php?cat=518)
(I use a heat gun instead of a propane torch - it works slower - but is also effective)

What type saw do you use to cut some of the figures with. All I have tried to date, is bandsaw and know I could not cut figures as you do with that type machine.
Would a sabre saw do the trick or is there something better?
Mark used a jig saw (also called a sabre saw) for his sculptures.
In his earlier works he also used a scroll saw.
A band saw is a 'must' for straight cuts and for some curved cuts.
I enjoy using the band saw, took a class on scroll saw basics - but have not have time to do anything with it. re the jigsaw - I've never tried to use it - I think it might 'vibrate' too much for me - but maybe some day I will try it...

Carole

[pyrocarver]

Hello Carole,

Thank you, very much for the information.
Excuse me if I slink away, feeling a bit foolish, not knowing that Mark has left us.
I will return, when normal color returns.

God Bless.

Ray

[CaroleMeckes]

Hey Ray,
don't stay away too long - you are doing some beautiful works with bamboo,
Carole