Hank Taylor on mon 22 oct 07
Hi Gayle,
Try using steam to get it to limber up , Not Boilling Water , Just
the steam . I have bent bamboo , white oak ,hickory ,elm, and many other
woods with steam. you can use a piece of metal pipe or metal ducting , or
even al. foil to make a enclosure around the bamboo and put the tea kettle
on and let the steam from the kettle go through the enclosure. I would try
regular bamboo first to learn the proper length of time needed. Then while
still hot and pliable, bend the bamboo around a form that is round and
smooth starting big and then work down to the needed diameter .If the shaft
starts stiffening up, just put it back on the steam and heat it again. Avoid
sharp bends as this will usually end up with a broken bamboo shaft.
Hope this helps,
Hank
Woodshed Pottery : hanktaylor@dtcweb.net
----- Original Message -----
> On Fri, 19 Oct 2007 20:49:09 -0700, Gayle Bair
> wrote:
>
>>Does anyone have experience making teapot handles
>>with bamboo. Specifically I need info on bending it without
>>cracking or splitting it.
>>I've used a torch and am now trying a heat gun. I may just be
>>too impatient as I am experiencing sharp bends and cracking.
>>I haven't found much on line so far.
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