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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Gator1 on July 23, 2008, 03:22:00 PM

Title: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Gator1 on July 23, 2008, 03:22:00 PM
I was wondering if anyone has pics of limbs, with "dirty bamboo"..??

Is this stained or treated, or is it just naturally dark and stained looking?

I'm considering this on my longbow, i'm ordering.

The few I've seen, looks pretty interesting.

Thank you,
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Kevin L. on July 23, 2008, 03:42:00 PM
Here's a look at a Miami Valley recurve that I had for a while. The dirty bamboo blends better in the woods than the "clean" stuff.

(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Kevinl2067/50SSTYLERECURVES004.jpg)
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Steelhead on July 23, 2008, 05:03:00 PM
I believe dirty bamboo you are reffering to is tonkin bamboo.Some are dirtier than others so to speak.The ones I have had are not as blond or buttery in color and more of a muted biege tone with some charcoalish to black tones mixed in.I think it looks good personelly under clear glass and with a satin finish or flat it blends into the surroundings pretty well.
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: jacobsladder on July 23, 2008, 05:25:00 PM
yep....lets check out some of that tonkin bamboo...looks like natural camo to me....anyone have pics?
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: TNstickn on July 23, 2008, 05:51:00 PM
The "dirty" boo could be carbonized. Its a heat treating process. I've been trying to learn about this stuff, before I use it as my limb core/veneer. It is actually boiled and softens the bamboo by 30%. Dont know if it effects performance or not. As a veneer under glass, probably not much if any.
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: loco_cacahuate on July 23, 2008, 07:51:00 PM
I've been told by a couple of bowyers that "dirty bamboo" is just bamboo with fungus
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: bentpole on July 23, 2008, 08:27:00 PM
Maybe a bowyer will jump in here?
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Kevin L. on July 23, 2008, 08:29:00 PM
The ones I've seen, the staining was what is referred to as a watermark. It's not desirable in a bamboo rod, I usually flame the culm if it has this. It's purely cosmetic, but I wouldn't make a rod with it.
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: DEAN on July 23, 2008, 08:35:00 PM
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m208/boxxer06/P7180144.jpg)
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: jacobsladder on July 23, 2008, 08:46:00 PM
dean...that is sweet....a little birdie told me that its a mohawk.
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Jedimaster on July 23, 2008, 11:11:00 PM
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg180/750grains/dqdryad03.jpg)
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: b.glass on July 23, 2008, 11:23:00 PM
That is some preeety limbs right there.

I was thinking about heat treating some bamboo if anyone has some opinions on that. Does it get rid of some of that pale look in bamboo?
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Shakes.602 on July 23, 2008, 11:40:00 PM
AAAAAAA!!!!  A Fungus Amungus!!  :scared:    :scared:   Heh, just couldnt Pass It Up!!  :rolleyes:  I have a Length of Tonkin Myself that is "Dirty Looking" laid beside the Other 'Boo I Have.  :thumbsup:    :archer:
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Mike Burch on July 24, 2008, 12:14:00 AM
Oh yea, I love dirty bamboo. When I order it, I want the moldest bamboo they have.

Mark Horne has some of the best looking "dirty" bamboo.

I like it better than an exotic veneer!
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Peachey on July 24, 2008, 05:58:00 AM
How about torched bamboo, I can e-mail you the pic if you can post it. I cant post pics.
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: TNstickn on July 24, 2008, 08:49:00 AM
I would have never guessed to mold over my boo!  :saywhat:
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Kevin L. on July 24, 2008, 09:10:00 AM
Flaming the bamboo can be done with a small propane torch. Go slowly and keep the flame moving at all times. The color you end up with will be 1-2 shades lighter than it looks when you flame it. Here's a look at the flamed strips for a rod.

(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Kevinl2067/TuePM014.jpg)

And here's what the rod looks like when it's finished.

(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/Kevinl2067/rodstripperpic.jpg)
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Gator1 on July 24, 2008, 09:51:00 AM
Thanks to all who replied....

The New Treadway forward handle will have the Dirty Boo, providing Mike has some...

Man, is that going to be awesome...
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Tom Anderson on July 24, 2008, 11:57:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Jedimaster:
 (http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg180/750grains/dqdryad03.jpg)
Jedi,
What make of bow is this?
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Jedimaster on July 24, 2008, 01:29:00 PM
Dryad Orion with recurve limbs.  Here is the link to more information and pictures of my bow.

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=062164;p=1
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: Holm-Made on July 24, 2008, 02:39:00 PM
Where can a guy purchase some to gring into lams?  Chad
Title: Re: Dirty Bamboo?
Post by: TNstickn on July 24, 2008, 06:36:00 PM
Awesome color Kevin! I'm gonna torch some of my action boo and see what I can come up with.