pmguedry
30th May 2004, 11:39 PM
I am a first time bamboo harvester. Have intentions of making a privacy fence and will be moving to a new home (where I would like to build the fence) in early July. Would like to explore my creativity with making cool crafts. I harvested the culms today, May 30th. I am wondering... Is there a way to straighten the crooked culms before I begin to construct the fence? Do I have to do anything special to the bamboo to treat it or do I just let it sit and dry out? They are approximately 20-30 feet tall. In reading threads on this forum, I think I have learned it would be good to build while the bamboo is green. Is this correct? Can anyone offer names of basic/beginner bamboo crafter websites who have simple how to- instruction?
Full of excitement! Thanks!
PG
Mark Meckes
25th June 2004, 12:36 AM
Hi PG,
Lot of questions! I can tell you've been smitten!!
How's yor bamboo drying? Welcome to the world of stockpiling bamboo! After I brought home my first harvest, and then began growing bamboo, I have always had bamboo poles and pieces in various stages of curing and aging stacked around the place.
"Do I have to do anything special to the bamboo to treat it or do I just let it sit and dry out?"
Either way, and it depends. One has to weigh up the cost of acquiring the bamboo, the variety used, the environmental conditions where the fence will be placed, the effort it takes to build the fence, and the cost, labor and method of treating the bamboo vs replacing it more often.
Q. "Is there a way to straighten the crooked culms before I begin to construct the fence?"
A. Been meaning to get around to writing about this. Will provide a link when I or someone does.
Q. "In reading threads on this forum, I think I have learned it would be good to build while the bamboo is green. Is this correct?"
A. Again, it depends. Properly dried and cured bamboo may last longer, but a green fence is very attractive as it dries.
Q. "Can anyone offer names of basic/beginner bamboo crafter websites who have simple how to-instruction?"
A Let us know what you find!
We'll put together a page of links
Meanwhile we have a lot planned for this site, including online workshops covering specific topics. We need to make the info we have at the site easier to find too,
Stay tuned, let us know how your project is getting on, and feel free to discuss whatever here, or start a new thread.
Mark