Research methods for attaching bamboo chimes etc

[Mark Meckes]

In the course of making bamboo wind chimes, I was unable to find any natural string that could outlast the bamboo chimes.
When bamboo is suspended in mid air, it will last a very very long time (even though it may become bleached, moss coated and cracked - all which can actually improve the resonance)
Making windchimes has served me well in conducting my own abstract research into design and function, and I propose that this be one mode of getting basic bamboo research into classroom activities.

Children (as well as adults ) could participate, and other projects could be formatted to help determine:
- durability of specific varieties of bamboo under varying
circumstances
- durability of different strings and fasteners
- durability of knots, and attachment methods ( a break often first happens due to the wear of fibers at a specific point of connection)
- evaluation of preservatives / coatings which are least harmful to the environment, and their durability
- etc etc etc

Mark

[Knife Knut]

Have you tried waxed cordage of any sort?
A well waxed string could be less vulnerable to the moisture that causes eventual failure.

[Mark Meckes]

Hi knife Knut, the only waxed string I've tried to date is the synthetic cord as shown...
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/505/thumbs/1Mvc-231f.jpg see larger pic (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=708)

In as much as I'd prefer to use all natural ingredients, this synthetic cordage is less expensive and would probably outlast natural fibers. (I would like to be proven wrong!)

Point is, making windchimes and mobile is a whimsical experience, that doesn't necessarily require that they be anything more then what they are for a brief moment in time... that is, unless they are an object to be sold, and then a customer may ask..."Can I hang this outdoors?" and... "How long will they last?"

One disadvantage with waxed string is that it is stiffer / not as flexible or free hanging when suspending very lightweight objects.

I haven't made any mobile bamboo sculptures for a while, but I have a lot of pieces bamboo just waiting for me to go kinetic with them!
Anyway your post has provided the inspiration, now to make some extra time.

Mark

[Dean W.]

I know you don't like synthetics but, have you tried fish twine?

Dean

[PrincessBunnyRooRoo]

HI -
Harbor Freight sells Flax twine 900 feet for 7$ online:
* Will not stretch
* Recommended for industrial packaging and bundling
* Breaking load: 28-39 lbs.
* Flax threads are thinner and stronger than cotton
* Three twisted strands
Twine dimensions: 900 ft. L x 0.059" diameter; Weight: 2.45 lbs.

Also in their local stores it's available, plus I've seen a waxed version in the stores recently. HF does a lot of specials, I bought my first two cones of this flax twine on sale at $4.99, and a year later 3 more cones at $5.99 on sale.
I have personally used this material outdoors from April 08 to Oct 09. So that's 2 growing seasons and one winter. I had neglected to take down my sweatpea lines during the winter 08/09. I had used both jute & the flax cord. When I went to setup the 09 sweet pea strings, I found the wintered over section still intact. The jute was useless, broke easily. Obviously affected by the sun & winter weather. The flax was still strong enough to require scissors to cut it, even though it was mucky with mud & moss. So I took it down, washed it in dish soap & a little baking soda (magic formula for cleaning algae or moss off anything) hung it to dry, then balled it up and used it a week later to string up this years' sweet peas. It's still out there now. You can't tell the difference between the 08 twine & the 09 twine. This year I'm going to leave them both in place and see what happens.
I could probably send you enough to rig up a small bamboo chime for your own experiments so you don't have to buy the whole cone. Although I must say I love that stuff - useful in many ways. Its tough, yet just soft enough to not hurt your hands. I had planned to make a shopping tote in crochet - but haven't done it - too many projects already!!!

[CaroleMeckes]

PrincessBunnyRooRoo

Thank you for your suggestions on using flax twine - it certainly sounds like a good cord to work with.

Carole