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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: b.glass on September 17, 2008, 01:41:00 PM

Title: Splintering Bamboo
Post by: b.glass on September 17, 2008, 01:41:00 PM
Got some bamboo online. The first slat I have worked with is splintering while cutting to the pattern on the bandsaw. What do you think is the cause and do you think it will still make a good backing?
Title: Re: Splintering Bamboo
Post by: ChristopherO on September 17, 2008, 02:25:00 PM
How sharp is your blade and are the teeth compatable with you material?
I find it best to cut wide and rasp to the line.
Title: Re: Splintering Bamboo
Post by: JEFF B on September 17, 2008, 03:07:00 PM
have ya got some pics Bona? are the teeth on ya band saw wide or small? as i think small would be better for bamboo.  :wavey:
Title: Re: Splintering Bamboo
Post by: b.glass on September 17, 2008, 04:12:00 PM
Well, I did recently change the blade to a courser cut. I think this might be the first bamboo I've worked since then, so that is probable the problem. Thanks. I should have thought of that.  :banghead:
Title: Re: Splintering Bamboo
Post by: Tom Leemans on September 18, 2008, 09:45:00 AM
You learn quickly not to wipe the edges of bamboo with your hand.  :eek:  

Cut outside the line, then plane, scrape, sand to the line. Use a plane with a nice SHARP blade.
Title: Re: Splintering Bamboo
Post by: chrisg on September 18, 2008, 10:53:00 AM
Also should stick masking tape down first and draw cutting lines over that, the tape stops the bamboo from 'grabbing' and splitting. A finer toothed saw blade too of course. Cut wide and plane down as said.
chrisg
Title: Re: Splintering Bamboo
Post by: elkslayer on September 18, 2008, 12:03:00 PM
what they all said
Title: Re: Splintering Bamboo
Post by: b.glass on September 20, 2008, 03:45:00 AM
Thanks. That's what I've always done but this time I tried a courser blade for cutting heavier stock and didn't think about it splintering the bamboo like it did. Looks like I need a second bandsaw huh! My husbands gonna love that!