Bamboo binding materials: Waxed Synthetic Cord

[Mark Meckes]

Though they are synthetic, this type of cordage, that has been waxed, will last and last. It is generally made of polyester or nylon derivative.
Best source I've found (retail) are leather supply outlets, as it's commonly used in the shoe/saddle making industries
The small rolls found in hobby shops can be simply described as - a rip-off - compared to the amount you get in the larger rolls, which aren't that much more expensive.

There are ways to work from a roll, so as not to create waste.
No, this stuff will not break down in the compost pile ... but careful attention prevents it from getting there.

Waxed Synthetic Cord
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/505/thumbs/1Mvc-231f.jpg See larger pic (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=708)
- Left: Waxed polyester black thread (4 oz pkt) - Comes in different weights and colours.
- Right: Synthetic sinew, also known as synthetic rawhide (waxed polyester -3mm wide) - can be twined or braided into very very strong cord.

Mark

[RickCorey]

I didn't care for prices like $16 for 500 feet of lashing cord, so I went hunting online via Google. I found a real bargain: $6.24 for 1,000 feet (8 ounces per spool).

It is very strong, heavily waxed, white poly twine. It's round, not flat. It doesn't slip or unravel. The thickness was just right for me. It is strong enough for fences, maybe not for ladders.

9 PLY WAXED POLY TWINE 335 YARDS
Part No: 70-50448
$6.24

1,000 feet for $6.24 would be less than 2 cents per yard, but I paid $12.87 shipping & handling for 4 spools (Texas to Seattle area).

http://www.milestek.com/search.asp?skw=twine&image.x=0&image.y=0
http://www.milestek.com/search.asp?skw=waxed+twine
salesinfo@milestek.com

MilesTek Corporation
1506 Interstate 35 W
Denton, TX 76207-2402

Tel: (940) 484-9400
Free: (800) 958-5173
Fax: (940) 484-9402


It may be 2-5 years before my own bamboo is big enough to build into trellises and hoops for plastic film cold frames and "cloches". I just planted a gallon pot of Fargesia Rufa from Home Depot. The "culms" are like stiff grass or broom straws, 12-18" tall.

My soil is such dense clay that I made a raised bed with 8" x 16" paving stones - 8" of soil above ground level and 4" below. I screened the heavy clay with an equal amount of compost. I cut a drainage channel to a lower spot in the yard, because I read that bamboo does not like drowned roots/rhizomes. I have medium shade.

I read that someone couldn't get F. Rufa to grow more than a few feet tall - any advice would be welcome. I'm hoping for 1/4" to 1/2" thick poles 6-10 feet long.

I'll probably be back in a few years asking how to bend mature culms into half-circles. I had originally thought that I would bend them when young, but I read that it takes 2-3 years for them to develop strength.

Rick Corey
novice bamboozler

[CaroleMeckes]

Wel'culm' Rick
Hope you don't stay away till your bamboo matures.
I can't grow Fargesias in Texas - it is way too hot here.
Even the Chimonobambusas struggle here.

Thanks for the tips on finding cords.

The place where I usually purchase cords is Tandy Leather Factory
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/home/department/Lacing/Lacing.aspx?navlocation=left

I'm fortunate to live near one of their outlets - so I can see what I am getting before I order it.

Carole

[satjapan]

Hi all,

I'm looking for the new material for my bamboo truss connections. It's my engineering research. You're talking with plastic cord. Is that good for bamboo connection ?

The most importance for me is cheap and ease to install.

Welcome for suggestions.

[CaroleMeckes]

The cords discussed in this thread are very strong.

[satjapan]

Do you have information about that cord such as mechanical properties ?

[greg kono]

marine hardware and fishing supply stores are also good resources for cordage:

Rick, here's a good source in Seattle:
http://www.seamar.com/rope.html#poly%20twines