What to do with all this bamboo?

[unaka]

I have an acre or more of a low, wet area that has a bamboo patch, or forest as we call it. It is very thick, and some of the bamboo is 3 to 4 inches across. We use it for tomato stakes, fishing poles, craft projects, etc. Around the fourth of July, or when we're burning brush we sometimes throw some on a bonfire because they heat up and explode louder than most firecrackers. We keep our distance, of course, but it's cheap entertainment for the nieces and nephews.

Back in 1993 a March snow storm (remember that one?) took it all down, but the next year it was back, and even bigger than before. It seems that there ought to be some way to utilize this resource, because it is SO renewable. I'm sure I could harvest a tractor trailer load almost every year, but who would buy it?

Also, does anybody have any unique uses or ideas for bamboo?

I've only been reading posts at this site for about a month, but I'm constantly impressed with the wisdom and experience expressed here. I came looking for tractor advice but I've found a whole lot more.

 

[BobT]

Unaka,

Bamboo is a very interesting and useful plant---one which we here in US have not fully explored, IMO.

Here's a unique use --- pens. Yes, the "qalam" pen is used for Arabic, Chinese, Persian and other Asian languages to write those beautiful calligraphic scrolls.

To make a "qalam" pen requires only putting a special cut on the end, a special angled slant to the cut. Then, you can write some amazing things with a simple piece of bamboo. Of course to really master the art of calligraphy takes 20 or more years.

Where in US you'd sell the raw stock I do not know. Maybe an art supply wholesaler or something like that. Now and then I'll see these type of pens for sale as part of a kit at places like Banes & Noble. Maybe the Levenger catalog would be able to use some of then pens.

Anyway, sounds like you're getting plenty of enjoyment out of the crop with entertainment value for the family & kids.

I have some of these and will get a photo in the next day and post it so you can see what I am talking about. Qalam pens are about 5-6 inches long, and would likely sell for about $1-3 per piece wholesale here in the US.

BobT.
A Indiana Boy

 

[heehaw]

i watched one of the home repair shows a couple weeks ago, they were putting down hardwood floors made from bamboo; seems like they even went to the place it was made? if i see it again, i'll pay closer attention.
heehaw

 

[rmorgan]

Unaka--

Trellises, lattice, fencing, arbors, floors (although bigger than 3"), those pens Bob was talking about, furniture--Bamboo is a remarkable and IMHO beautiful plant and as long as you're able to contain it from being where you don't want it, I think you're luck to have so much of it.

Don't know about marketing your crop, but you might start at http://www.americanbamboo.org

Rick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

You can make water lines out of it, use a dried piece with teeth carved in the end to look like a hole saw, charred for hardness to cut the webs out.
It is also an excellent material for framing scaffolding, once you learn to lash it together.
You can also bedn it into furniture shapes when it is still fresh, by steaming it.
If all else fails, twist it into strange shapes like pretzels and haul it to craft shows.

 

[HalseyGreen]

Don't know how near you are to the National Zoo in Washington, DC, but they use to look for bamboo for the panda bears all the time. Use to work for a local government in Northern Virginia, had several residents that had bamboo and that stuff did grow and take over the area.

 

[unaka]

Bob,

The qalam pen sounds interesting and I would like to see a pic of one if you have one.

I think you are right in that we in the US have not fully realized the potential of this resource. The fact that, as of today, my first post has been viewed by 105 people but has only generated 5 responses further bolsters your point that most of us know very little about the potential of this plant. Many people do not realize that it will grow a foot per day during the spring, and that is is actually part of the grass family.

Hee Haw

I, too, have seen in books where they cut the bamboo into strips, laminate it together, and make a fine and durable floor with it.

Rick,

You are right about it being invasive. It will cross creeks, ditches, almost anything in its path with relative ease and remarkable speed. The easiest way I've found to contain it is to keep the edges well mowed during the early spring. The shoots are soft and can be easliy handled by the smallest push mower, and they are also edible. I've had them marinated in a garlic sauce spread over a salad. Yum.
Thanks for the website, I'm soon off to go check it out.

Franz,

That's an interesting use, water lines, and my brother in law told me of a show he saw about skyscrapers built in China. All the scaffolding they use, hundreds of feet high, is made entirely from bamboo.

The Woodright's Shop, on PBS, did a good segment one time on making furniture from bamboo. He made a nice chair using a few simple cuts and thirty minutes of time.

Halsey,

I'm in the western NC mountains so Washington is too far, but that's an idea that had never occured to me. Does the Atlanta zoo have a Panda?

Thanks for all the responses and I hope to see more posts on ideas and unique uses for bamboo.


Unaka

 

[ForceTen]

Yes, the Atlanta Zoo has two! Ling-ling and Mao-mao, I believe...

 

[Chuck52]

Unaka,
Bamboo would make great walking staffs for hiking. I was in the Smokies this summer and had forgotten to bring my sticks. It was amazing what they were asking for a simple stick in the shops. I used to use river cane for hiking staffs years ago and bamboo ought to be great for that. Real simple project, even if you decided to dress it up with leather thong and a metal tip.

Chuck

 

[RPM]

Try asking around at a local music shop. Bamboo has been popular for all manner of woodwind instruments for thousands of years. You may find a local craftsman that would be interested in coming to pick out some high quality pieces for that use. With a craftsman you may not get paid cash - but you could end up with a very nice instrument in barter that you could use or would make a terrific gift.

Patrick