Bamboo and Lashing

Kim Jarvis asked about using bamboo for pioneering projects.

Here in Florida, we often have access to bamboo and I have used it for
numerous projects. The problem with bamboo is its smooth surface so there is
no natural friction when placing two bamboo spars together. If your bamboo is
dried, it seems to work better for pioneering projects. There are however, a
couple of things you can do. First you can rough up the sections to be mated
together with sandpaper (if you have the time and enjoy doing it). Secondly,
simply use sisal rope or binder twine which has more friction than nylon rope
or cord and use Japanese square and diagonal lashings. These lashings seem to
hold better than traditional square and diagonal lashings.

I have used bamboo for gateways and bridges with success. I've never had spars
thick enough for towers but I have a handout from a Japanese Wood Badge course
that shows it being used.

Tom Kochansky
SM, T339
Tampa, FL

and a good ol' Bear too!
:-)

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