Preparing bamboo for core?
As the topic said i want to have some information about preparing bamboo for core and i'll be pleased to hear from you.
For bamboo core bows it is best to have the outside of the culm at the belly. In China, they take a large culm (around 10-15cm diameter) and split it lengthways into four strips. If you are planning on a single piece core, then pay attention to the nodes so that there is an equal number/distance of nodes above and below the centre of the grip. The skin should be removed and the nodes planed flat. You then heat the bamboo until it starts to sweat (i.e. assuming that it's dry but not very old.) Then you need to press it nearly flat. Boiling or steaming not recommended.
If your are really fastidious, difference lengths of bamboo have different resistance to fungus and insects. People used to bury their bamboo over one rainy season and then dig them up and use the ones that survived with least damage. 8)
If your are really fastidious, difference lengths of bamboo have different resistance to fungus and insects. People used to bury their bamboo over one rainy season and then dig them up and use the ones that survived with least damage. 8)
Thank you Stephen.You mean that i've to make flat the outer surface of bamboo for belly and dont make flat the inner side?and flat the inner side with pressing?