Robert Harris on tue 20 mar 12
At some point someone planted a large stand of running bamboo in my
neighbour's yard. I have been waging a long running war (5 years and
counting), against invasion. Incidentally my current neighbour, who is
actually a Lama (The Buddhist kind, with one L, rather than the South
American kind with two ...) is not to blame. He does enjoy it however.
Me ... not so much.
Anyway, I have just cut a few down a few large stalks, that I managed
to miss, for oh, a whole week. (There is one piece that grew from my
navel to the tip of my nose in 48 hours. I always knew it grew
amazingly fast, but to actually see the evidence with my own eyes
....).
So, since I fancy myself an enterprising sort, and disliking waste, I
am curious about what tools to make ... and how.
The thickest sections are probably 1 1/2 inches in diameter (maybe
more), and go on down in size. The three things I would really like to
make are a couple of throwing knives, some long ribs, and a few
fluting tools. For the knives etc, how should I dry and treat the
bamboo, at at what stage should I start cutting the bamboo up. Any
other pearls of wisdom of course ...
For the fluting tools, does anyone have a design and advice about how
to make them.
Robert
Umm ... when I say throwing knives I mean knives for use in throwing
pots .... !!
--
----------------------------------------------------------
Taylor Hendrix on tue 20 mar 12
Robert,
You should cut bamboo in the dry season for best results. Some folks
dry it for six months or more, and the bamboo poles dry faster
standing vertical. So, unless you have vertical space for intact
poles, you may have to cut them to shorter lengths. Splitting the
bamboo lengthwise isn't too much of a chore, but for shaping it, be
sure to have some sharp knives on hand. Because it is fibrous, it
tends to split and thread with dull tools. Handles for your carving
tools are good uses for bamboo. I have a handle of bamboo that I use
to roll some of my plaster roulettes. You can shave down the curve to
a piece of bamboo, but you may not want to. The walls closest to the
node are the densest and so any throwing knife that takes advantage of
that will stay sharper longer I believe.
For fluting tools, you can make two types: the cheese-cutter style
with a blade or opening which allows the fluted clay to strip away or
the scrapper style with a solid shape that, you guessed it, scrapes
away the clay.
I read that three year old culms are the best culms to cut as they
have less sugars stored in them which in turn makes them less tasty to
insect critters. I just cut whatever I need whatever the age. A pass
over with an open flame (tourch, weed burner) will actually bring
natural oils to the surface of the bamboo (don't burn it now) that
both adds an attractive patina and a protective covering to the piece.
Be good,
Taylor, in Rockport TX
wirerabbit1 on Skype (-0600 UTC)
http://wirerabbit.blogspot.com
http://wirerabbitpots.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wirerabbit/
https://youtube.com/thewirerabbit
On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 12:33 PM, Robert Harris w=
rote:
...
> So, since I fancy myself an enterprising sort, and disliking waste, I
> am curious about what tools to make ... and how.
>
> The thickest sections are probably 1 1/2 inches in diameter (maybe
> more), and go on down in size. The three things I would really like to
> make are a couple of throwing knives, some long ribs, and a few
> fluting tools. For the knives etc, how should I dry and treat the
> bamboo, at at what stage should I start cutting the bamboo up. Any
> other pearls of wisdom of course ...
>
> For the fluting tools, does anyone have a design and advice about how
> to make them.
...
Robert Harris on tue 20 mar 12
Hi Taylor,
Thanks for all of the useful advice. Luckily I think that the bamboo I
am cutting is probably at least 3 years old. Not sure about waiting
till the dry season - it's cluttering up my yard as it is!
In terms of fluting tools, I am looking to make the cutting style. I
have a metal one in which there is a piece of metal that protrudes out
and cuts away the clay, in addition the "handle" is angled away from
the cutting head. However I am trying to envisage how one would make
it from bamboo and am drawing a blank. Have you seen any pictures
around of bamboo ones? A few of the narrower colms have a diameter
that is exactly right for the fluting I have in mind. Plus of course I
could actually make a whole stack of them all, with slight different
diameters.
Thanks again for the help.
Robert
On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 5:02 PM, Taylor Hendrix wro=
te:
> Robert,
>
> You should cut bamboo in the dry season for best results. Some folks
> dry it for six months or more, and the bamboo poles dry faster
> standing vertical. So, unless you have vertical space for intact
> poles, you may have to cut them to shorter lengths. Splitting the
> bamboo lengthwise isn't too much of a chore, but for shaping it, be
> sure to have some sharp knives on hand. Because it is fibrous, it
> tends to split and thread with dull tools. Handles for your carving
> tools are good uses for bamboo. I have a handle of bamboo that I use
> to roll some of my plaster roulettes. You can shave down the curve to
> a piece of bamboo, but you may not want to. The walls closest to the
> node are the densest and so any throwing knife that takes advantage of
> that will stay sharper longer I believe.
>
> For fluting tools, you can make two types: the cheese-cutter style
> with a blade or opening which allows the fluted clay to strip away or
> the scrapper style with a solid shape that, you guessed it, scrapes
> away the clay.
>
> I read that three year old culms are the best culms to cut as they
> have less sugars stored in them which in turn makes them less tasty to
> insect critters. I just cut whatever I need whatever the age. A pass
> over with an open flame (tourch, weed burner) will actually bring
> natural oils to the surface of the bamboo (don't burn it now) that
> both adds an attractive patina and a protective covering to the piece.
>
> Be good,
>
> Taylor, in Rockport TX
> wirerabbit1 on Skype (-0600 UTC)
> http://wirerabbit.blogspot.com
> http://wirerabbitpots.blogspot.com
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/wirerabbit/
> https://youtube.com/thewirerabbit
>
>
>
> On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 12:33 PM, Robert Harris =
wrote:
> ...
>> So, since I fancy myself an enterprising sort, and disliking waste, I
>> am curious about what tools to make ... and how.
>>
>> The thickest sections are probably 1 1/2 inches in diameter (maybe
>> more), and go on down in size. The three things I would really like to
>> make are a couple of throwing knives, some long ribs, and a few
>> fluting tools. For the knives etc, how should I dry and treat the
>> bamboo, at at what stage should I start cutting the bamboo up. Any
>> other pearls of wisdom of course ...
>>
>> For the fluting tools, does anyone have a design and advice about how
>> to make them.
> ...
--
----------------------------------------------------------
Taylor Hendrix on tue 20 mar 12
Robert,
I have not seen a bamboo tool similar to the metal ones you describe,
but it is possible to bend bamboo by heating it either with steam or
judicious application of flame. I can invision a tool cut so as to
form a blade and the bamboo adjacent to it bent with the
aforementioned method. That may be the ticket. An alternative is to
fashion a hook from the bamboo that will flute the pattern you want.
Check this out:
http://ceramicartsdaily.org/clay-tools/throwing-tools/how-to-use-a-throwing=
-stick/Pottery%20Throwing%20Tools:%20A%20Guide%20to%20Making%20and%20Using%=
20Pottery%20Tools%20for%20Wheel%20Throwing/
Make tools, make pots.
Taylor, in Rockport TX
wirerabbit1 on Skype (-0600 UTC)
http://wirerabbit.blogspot.com
http://wirerabbitpots.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wirerabbit/
https://youtube.com/thewirerabbit
On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 5:15 PM, Robert Harris wr=
ote:
> Hi Taylor,
>
> Thanks for all of the useful advice. Luckily I think that the bamboo I
> am cutting is probably at least 3 years old. Not sure about waiting
> till the dry season - it's cluttering up my yard as it is!
>
> In terms of fluting tools, I am looking to make the cutting style. I
> have a metal one in which there is a piece of metal that protrudes out
> and cuts away the clay, in addition the "handle" is angled away from
> the cutting head. However I am trying to envisage how one would make
> it from bamboo and am drawing a blank. Have you seen any pictures
> around of bamboo ones? A few of the narrower colms have a diameter
> that is exactly right for the fluting I have in mind. Plus of course I
> could actually make a whole stack of them all, with slight different
> diameters.
>
> Thanks again for the help.
>
> Robert
>
> On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 5:02 PM, Taylor Hendrix w=
rote:
>> Robert,
>>
>> You should cut bamboo in the dry season for best results. Some folks
>> dry it for six months or more, and the bamboo poles dry faster
>> standing vertical. So, unless you have vertical space for intact
>> poles, you may have to cut them to shorter lengths. Splitting the
>> bamboo lengthwise isn't too much of a chore, but for shaping it, be
>> sure to have some sharp knives on hand. Because it is fibrous, it
>> tends to split and thread with dull tools. Handles for your carving
>> tools are good uses for bamboo. I have a handle of bamboo that I use
>> to roll some of my plaster roulettes. You can shave down the curve to
>> a piece of bamboo, but you may not want to. The walls closest to the
>> node are the densest and so any throwing knife that takes advantage of
>> that will stay sharper longer I believe.
>>
>> For fluting tools, you can make two types: the cheese-cutter style
>> with a blade or opening which allows the fluted clay to strip away or
>> the scrapper style with a solid shape that, you guessed it, scrapes
>> away the clay.
>>
>> I read that three year old culms are the best culms to cut as they
>> have less sugars stored in them which in turn makes them less tasty to
>> insect critters. I just cut whatever I need whatever the age. A pass
>> over with an open flame (tourch, weed burner) will actually bring
>> natural oils to the surface of the bamboo (don't burn it now) that
>> both adds an attractive patina and a protective covering to the piece.
>>
>> Be good,
>>
>> Taylor, in Rockport TX
>> wirerabbit1 on Skype (-0600 UTC)
>> http://wirerabbit.blogspot.com
>> http://wirerabbitpots.blogspot.com
>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/wirerabbit/
>> https://youtube.com/thewirerabbit
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 12:33 PM, Robert Harris > wrote:
>> ...
>>> So, since I fancy myself an enterprising sort, and disliking waste, I
>>> am curious about what tools to make ... and how.
>>>
>>> The thickest sections are probably 1 1/2 inches in diameter (maybe
>>> more), and go on down in size. The three things I would really like to
>>> make are a couple of throwing knives, some long ribs, and a few
>>> fluting tools. For the knives etc, how should I dry and treat the
>>> bamboo, at at what stage should I start cutting the bamboo up. Any
>>> other pearls of wisdom of course ...
>>>
>>> For the fluting tools, does anyone have a design and advice about how
>>> to make them.
>> ...
>
>
>
> --
> ----------------------------------------------------------
Steve Slatin on tue 20 mar 12
Robert --=3D0A=3DA0=3D0AI tried splitting bamboo, and had very, very poor r=
esults=3D
.=3D0AOTOH, I found a draw saw (like a mitre-box saw) worked=3D0Avery well =
on i=3D
t, and the resultant shape required only minimal=3D0Asmoothing with sandpap=
er=3D
to eliminate the jaggies.=3D0A=3D0AAs for using the shape for fluting, I c=
an't=3D
recommend an=3D0Aapproach, though I'd be tempted to cut some bamboo=3D0Ado=
wn t=3D
he middle, make an angle cut for the form, and=3D0Ause it freehand and stra=
ig=3D
ht, 'peeling' the clay away =3D0Afrom the thrown form.=3DA0 Just a thought;=
I'm=3D
perfectly=3D0Ahappy with metal faceting tools.=3D0A=3DA0=3D0ASteve Slatin =
-- =3D0A=3D
=3D0A=3D0AN48.0886450=3D0AW123.1420482 =3D0A=3D0A=3D0A----- Original Messag=
e -----=3D0A.=3D
=3D0A=3D0AHi Taylor,=3D0A=3D0AThanks for all of the useful advice. Luckily =
I think =3D
that the bamboo I=3D0Aam cutting is probably at least 3 years old. Not sure=
a=3D
bout waiting=3D0Atill the dry season - it's cluttering up my yard as it is!=
=3D
=3D0A=3D0AIn terms of fluting tools, I am looking to make the cutting style=
. I=3D
=3D0Ahave a metal one in which there is a piece of metal that protrudes out=
=3D
=3D0Aand cuts away the clay, in addition the "handle" is angled away from=
=3D0At=3D
he cutting head. However I am trying to envisage how one would make=3D0Ait =
fr=3D
om bamboo and am drawing a blank. Have you seen any pictures=3D0Aaround of =
ba=3D
mboo ones? A few of the narrower colms have a diameter=3D0Athat is exactly =
ri=3D
ght for the fluting I have in mind. slight different=3D0Adiameters.=3D0A=3D=
0AThan=3D
ks again for the help.=3D0A=3D0A>=3D0A>=3D0A>=3D0A> On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at=
12:33 PM,=3D
Robert Harris wrote:=3D0A> ...=3D0A>> So, since =
I fa=3D
ncy myself an enterprising sort, and disliking waste, I=3D0A>> am curious a=
bo=3D
ut what tools to make ... and how.=3D0A>>=3D0A>> The thickest sections are =
prob=3D
ably 1 1/2 inches in diameter (maybe=3D0A>> more), and go on down in size. =
Th=3D
e three things I would really like to=3D0A
Robert Harris on tue 20 mar 12
Steve - thanks for the response.
I too am fairly happy with metal faceting, on the other hand the
ability to make my own bamboo tools was an opportunity I couldn't
resist!
I have already had my mitre box and saw out. Just the cheap one you
can buy at Home Depot, probably the best $10 investment I've made! The
45 degree angle is exactly right for the "knife" end. As you say, if
you've heat cure the bamboo a little, and you go slow, it makes a very
clean cut.
It's been a fun afternoon - despite the fact that I really should be
glazing pots.
>
> I tried splitting bamboo, and had very, very poor results.
> OTOH, I found a draw saw (like a mitre-box saw) worked
> very well on it, and the resultant shape required only minimal
> smoothing with sandpaper to eliminate the jaggies.
>
> As for using the shape for fluting, I can't recommend an
> approach, though I'd be tempted to cut some bamboo
> down the middle, make an angle cut for the form, and
> use it freehand and straight, 'peeling' the clay away
> from the thrown form.=3DA0 Just a thought; I'm perfectly
> happy with metal faceting tools.
>
> Steve Slatin --
>
>
> N48.0886450
> W123.1420482
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> .
>
>
> Hi Taylor,
>
> Thanks for all of the useful advice. Luckily I think that the bamboo I
> am cutting is probably at least 3 years old. Not sure about waiting
> till the dry season - it's cluttering up my yard as it is!
>
> In terms of fluting tools, I am looking to make the cutting style. I
> have a metal one in which there is a piece of metal that protrudes out
> and cuts away the clay, in addition the "handle" is angled away from
> the cutting head. However I am trying to envisage how one would make
> it from bamboo and am drawing a blank. Have you seen any pictures
> around of bamboo ones? A few of the narrower colms have a diameter
> that is exactly right for the fluting I have in mind. slight different
>
> diameters.
>
> Thanks again for the help.
>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 12:33 PM, Robert Harris =3D
>
>> wrote:
>> ...
>>> So, since I fancy myself an enterprising sort, and disliking waste, I
>>> am curious about what tools to make ... and how.
>>>
>>> The thickest sections are probably 1 1/2 inches in diameter (maybe
>>> more), and go on down in size. The three things I would really like to
--=3D20
----------------------------------------------------------
Steve Mills on wed 21 mar 12
Some years ago (middle '70s) I acquired a load of thick and medium sectione=
d=3D
(Tonkin) Bamboo which had been used for research into emergency/temporary =
s=3D
helters.=3D20
Since then I have been making all sorts of things out of it, mostly tools f=
o=3D
r Pottery and Cooking (my, at the time, infant son called the latter "Cooki=
n=3D
g Spanners", which shows where other interests lay) particularly wheel kniv=
e=3D
s, ribs, and stirring sticks which I use to this day.=3D20
My initial preferred techniques are splitting with a sharp knife, scraping,=
a=3D
nd sanding. Saw cutting is a long way down the road.=3D20
The long strand, fibrous nature of this material makes it very hard wearing=
i=3D
n both fields.=3D20
My love for it is both from a practical and aesthetic standpoint.=3D20
Steve M
Steve Mills
Bath
UK
www.mudslinger.me.uk
Sent from my iPod
Mike on thu 22 mar 12
One way to make a flexible fluting tool from bamboo is to strip a piece
of skin off vertically with a knife or machete. The resultant strip will
have a sort of fingernail-like cross section, with the curve of the
outer skin on one side and the flat reverse side. If you don't cut it
too thickly, it will be quite flexible and you can bend it using heat
into a curve or loop, which can then be used for fluting, scraping, or
foot trimming, and the curve can be adjusted easily simply by adjusting
your grip.
Mike
in Taku, Japan
http://karatsupots.com
http://karatsupots.blogspot.com
Workshop in Taku 2012: The Simple Teabowl, May 12 - 18
http://karatsupots.com/workshop2012/2012home.html
http://workshopintaku2012.blogspot.com/
(2012/03/21 9:44), Robert Harris wrote:
> Steve - thanks for the response.
>
> I too am fairly happy with metal faceting, on the other hand the
> ability to make my own bamboo tools was an opportunity I couldn't
> resist!
>
> I have already had my mitre box and saw out. Just the cheap one you
> can buy at Home Depot, probably the best $10 investment I've made! The
> 45 degree angle is exactly right for the "knife" end. As you say, if
> you've heat cure the bamboo a little, and you go slow, it makes a very
> clean cut.
>
> It's been a fun afternoon - despite the fact that I really should be
> glazing pots.
>
>
>
>
>> I tried splitting bamboo, and had very, very poor results.
>> OTOH, I found a draw saw (like a mitre-box saw) worked
>> very well on it, and the resultant shape required only minimal
>> smoothing with sandpaper to eliminate the jaggies.
>>
>> As for using the shape for fluting, I can't recommend an
>> approach, though I'd be tempted to cut some bamboo
>> down the middle, make an angle cut for the form, and
>> use it freehand and straight, 'peeling' the clay away
>> from the thrown form. Just a thought; I'm perfectly
>> happy with metal faceting tools.
>>
>> Steve Slatin --
>>
>>
>> N48.0886450
>> W123.1420482
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> .
>>
>>
>> Hi Taylor,
>>
>> Thanks for all of the useful advice. Luckily I think that the bamboo I
>> am cutting is probably at least 3 years old. Not sure about waiting
>> till the dry season - it's cluttering up my yard as it is!
>>
>> In terms of fluting tools, I am looking to make the cutting style. I
>> have a metal one in which there is a piece of metal that protrudes out
>> and cuts away the clay, in addition the "handle" is angled away from
>> the cutting head. However I am trying to envisage how one would make
>> it from bamboo and am drawing a blank. Have you seen any pictures
>> around of bamboo ones? A few of the narrower colms have a diameter
>> that is exactly right for the fluting I have in mind. slight different
>>
>> diameters.
>>
>> Thanks again for the help.
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 12:33 PM, Robert Harris>
>>> wrote:
>>> ...
>>>> So, since I fancy myself an enterprising sort, and disliking waste, I
>>>> am curious about what tools to make ... and how.
>>>>
>>>> The thickest sections are probably 1 1/2 inches in diameter (maybe
>>>> more), and go on down in size. The three things I would really like to
>
>
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