Good torch for bending bamboo

[jimkeuer]

Forgive me if that information is available in any of these threads, but I couldn't find it. I'd like to purchase a good propane torch for bending bamboo culms...any help, please. I would like to bend bamboo around 1 inch in diameter...fairly thin walled...

[CaroleMeckes]

Hello,
This is the propane set up that Mark used:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/518/thumbs/PropaneTorch-035.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1410)
The clip would clip on to his jeans and then he would have 2 hands free (one to hole the nozzle and one to hold the bamboo).
Carole

[jimkeuer]

Thanks Carole. It is similar to what I'm using with limited success. When I youtube bending bamboo, the "benders" are using a much more substantial burner running from a bigger tank. I'm interested in bending larger bamboos. On a side note...I'm new to cruising the this forum...I enjoyed both your posts and Marks and was saddened to learn that he is no longer with us....

Thank you for your help,
Jim

[CaroleMeckes]

Thanks Jim,
One thing that Mark was going to do that he never got to try was using "sand" inside the bamboo when bending bamboo (knocking out the nodes first).

I'm "chicken" with the torch - so I use a heat gun - but I also don't try to do a lot of bending - although I am currently working on a project with split bamboo pieces and some of them have a small curve - so I'll be trying to straighten them out using the heat gun as I polish the pieces...

Carole

[jimkeuer]

Carole,

Tried bending a piece of 2 1/2" vivax today, thin walled even for vivax. I knocked out the diaphrams but didn't use sand. I've tried sand with no success (yet)....but maybe the sand captures the heat and returns it to the inside of the bamboo. (Instead of just air (a good insulator)) I seem to burn the outside before I get it hot enough to bend.... Simon Velez bends those huge timber bamboos to take pressure from above and move it horizontally (like an arch), then contains that pressure somehow. But, BENDING! With the strenth and light weight of bamboo? I'm pretty excited about the possibilities. Thank you for your help here. And...if you know of anyone that might be good at bending bamboo, I'd love to meet them... (Also good bamboo joinery guy or gal would intersest me) And I'd be happy to keep you informed of any progress I make or things that I learn, if you'd like...

Take care,
Jim

[CaroleMeckes]

Here is a link to 2 of Gib Cooper's videos that use sand for bending bamboo:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showpost.php?p=9284&postcount=2
Carole

[jimkeuer]

Thanks Carole,

I have seen these videos and appreciate them. I'd like to find a source to learn more about the tricks of the trade...and more specifics on hardware, or clinics, hands on... Of course, I'm not expecting you to do my homework for me...but you are a prospective resource...part of my homework ;-)

Thanks,

Jim