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JimR · 25-07-2010, 02:14 AM posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.gardens.bamboo

"downhill" wrote in message
...
wrote:

"downhill"

Would depend on what craft your outputting. Basket weaving uses the
outer shell for weaving and strips the inner softer wood away. Almost
any will work with weaving if aged bamboo is used, and using a
preservative on a single piece basic has a decent life span
The problem with using bamboo grown in US is the inability to kill
bamboo borers and other pests in the curing process. The method of
curing bamboo that works is not permitted to be done in US due to
toxicity.
I bought a package of bamboo utensils at a shop in NYC chinatown. The
package was sealed and had an air bubble in it. After leaving the
package on a shelf by the window for a few weeks. I noticed tiny holes
in the utensils. With further inspection I noticed bamboo borers and the
package was still sealed with air pressure.
If you think I do not know what I am talking about put a white sheet of
paper under a bamboo item let it sit for two months shake the item over
the paper before removing it. Examine the remains, if you see an
excessive amount of yellow dust examine the item for small
holes.including bamboo flooring

Thank you, Pierre, for the info on bambo species. I don't think my local
climate is going to work out - the only bamboo I've seen around here is
skinny stuff, not really turn-worthy.

But your comment on curing bamboo raises a question. If overseas methods
are not allowed here due to toxicity, should we be worried about imported
bamboo eating and cooking utensils? What's in the stuff that's so toxic?

Nemo

Not Pierre.
Heading to Lime Rock for the next 3 days so I will pass through your area.
The only bamboo that I have seen are P japonica & ph bissitti and yellow
groove Ph aureosulcata.
You need to check Farley's "Book of Bamboo" for the actual process but I
think it involved a bromide compound.
Not many people eat on bamboo, and if you pay any attention to what china
will put in a product take cadmium in children's jewelry you would be
inspecting things from china in more detail.

koikeeper

For small items, you can kill any pests by putting them in the freezer for a
couple of days. On my list of projects are chopstick rests and perhaps corn
holders, as well as the things I listed in a separate posting. I don't know
what I"ll use for a finish - depending on the color I want, it might be
lacquer, or if a natural finish, walnut oil.