9 Tools That You Need For Impressive Bamboo

Architecture

Bamboo is a natural resource that is effortlessly found in South East Asia such as Indonesia,
Malaysia, and the Philippines. Among those countries, Indonesia particularly broadly used
bamboo in the community. Indonesia is one an area that is a heaven for varieties of bamboo
plants, the types of bamboo that exist in Indonesia are widely used as a building material,
construction, transportation, manufacture of musical instruments such as angklung, culinary,
household crafts and ornaments, as well as a natural medicinal ingredient.

The bamboo commodity in Indonesia has great potential. They have various types of bamboo
with high economic value. Ease of finding bamboo and bamboo which does have many
benefits, which are then many handicrafts and household items as well as decorations made
of bamboo and many other processed bamboo merchandises. That’s the reason why the use
of bamboo in craft works of art, bamboo has many benefits and it is easy to create into beautiful
works of art and it has aesthetic and economic value.

To accomplish such a level of eminence in these constructions, the mainstream Balinese

bamboo craftsmen have been committed to the art of bamboo woodworking and joinery for
most of their adult lives, if not longer. Their fingers have carved thousands of bamboo rods,
and uncountable complicated joints, and touched more bamboo than we could ever think
about it. If that were not inspiring enough, they have accomplished to do so with simply a
handful of tools.
Nevertheless, a significant aspect to recall with bamboo woodworking is that you will be
operational with a tapering, round pole and no two poles are identical. This involves a slightly
precise set of tools, which vary somewhat from the tools you might require for timber carpentry.
You will need tools that fit the bamboo's round profile and work with the grain of the pole’s
fibers rather than against it. In this article, we will explore which tools are the greatest ideal for
conventional bamboo woodworking and what you must be searching for.

What you only need is a very few collections of tools and a bit of practical exercise. Here are
the 5 most significant tools for traditional bamboo woodworking:

o The Hand Saw

o The Nail
o The Knife
o Marking and Measuring Tools
o The Mallet
o The Chisel
o Palm Fiber (Tali Ijuk)
o Thatching/Lalang/Alang-Alang/Ilalang Roof
o Nipa Roof
The Hand Saw
Which type of saw you can use to cut bamboo?
Almost any kind of woodworking saw should work to cut bamboo.
Manual saws are absolutely appropriate because bamboo is easy to saw as it is hollow. A
small manual saw can be used for small-diameter bamboo poles or precise works. Medium or
big manual saws can be used for cutting bigger bamboo culms.
If the bamboo pole is particularly big, if you need to cut a lot of poles, or if you need to be very
precise, an electrical saw can also be satisfactory. Craftsmen use from small band saws to
big circular saw blades.
However, jigsaws should probably be avoided as they are likely to detach the fibers of the
outer layer of the bamboo culm.
Models of saws used by craftsmen :
o Coping saw
o Back saw
o Buck saw
o Folding saw
o Bow saw
o Circular saw
o Band saw
o Skew Back saw

How to bring to a halt the bamboo when sawing it?

It is crucial to bring them to a halt when you sawing bamboo in order to get it appropriate in its
measurement.
In the case of precise works, or for small bamboo pieces, it is likely to use a clamp. and yet,
as bamboo is hollow, we need to know not to force excessively on the bamboo pole to keep
away from breaking it.
A very ordinary method is to halt bamboo between one hand and one support. This does not
need any precise tool and lets some movement, which can be beneficial for creating clear
cuts.
It is usually to see advanced craftsmen using not only one hand and one support but also one
or two feet as well! It may involve some trials and experience, however, to find a steady and
relaxed sitting position.
One of the particularities of bamboo is that its internode sections are made of parallel fibers
which can be split from one another effortlessly. Hence, when the force of the saw goes from
the inner side of the pole towards the outside, the outer fibers are likely to be separate.
To prevent the bamboo from breaking or splitting and make a clear cut, the most common
technique seen among craftsmen is to turn the bamboo while sawing.
In this method, the saw will cut the outer fibers before they can split. Turning also assistances
to make a more even and at right angles cut. There are diverse techniques to put into this
practice.
In addition, craftsmen seem to use commonly push stroke saws, meaning that they cut when
pushing the saw. Henceforth, they utilize more power when pushing the saw instead of pulling
it.

They have a tendency to start bit by bit to begin a specific cut, then quicken, and then
decelerate again when getting the final centimeters to cut. These methods also benefit from
creating a perfect and exact cut as well as evading cloven the outer fibers.

The Nail
How to join or assemble bamboo and what are the best methods? Well, first of all, it is vital to
know a few fundamental principles about joining bamboo before talking about the different
joinery methods.
In construction, using bamboo nodes is very essential. Bamboo beams and columns need to
have a node at both ends, if not the heaviness of a building structure on the joint may destroy
the bamboo.
Often it isn't possible to find bamboo of the required length with both end nodes in place. When
this occurs you should insert a wooden cylinder of the appropriate diameter or a fitting piece
of bamboo with a node.
Making good and aesthetically pleasing bamboo joints is rather complicated because bamboo
is hollow, tapered, has nodes at varying distances, and it is not perfectly circular. It is important
to keep all these constraints in mind when designing a bamboo joint.
Did you know that you shouldn’t nail two bamboo poles together?
In some cases of construction, we see this way of joining uncut bamboo poles together in
typical huts in the Philippines. We often see that these poles are being nailed together. While
this is commonly done, this can actually damage the bamboo.
There’s a better and more sustainable way of connecting two bamboo poles together. The
better option is tying the bamboo poles together using nylon, or steel cord with the appropriate
diameter.
Nailing bamboo will cause the material to split in the long run and can break the pole. Tying,
however, diminishes this risk and as a result, provides a better way for the bamboo pole to
structurally combine with each other using the appropriate tying techniques and materials.
There are many ways to assemble bamboo canes according to the needs of the building
structure. Here we show some examples:
o Fish mouth joints with threaded rod,
o T-joint column/beam,
o Rope joint/ Tali Ijuk

What are simple tips on how to nail bamboo so it doesn't get damaged?

In the first experiment, we use normal nails that are still pointed. Now, let's try to nail it first to
the bamboo. This experiment has shown that bamboo splitting after using this method.

Now we use the second method. We blunt the nail first. we used a hammer to blunt the sharp
end of the nail and then we tried to do it on the bamboo, and it worked. it turned out that using
blunt nails gave satisfactory results and the bamboo was not split.

It can be summarized that, if we use nail that is still sharp, the fiber from the bamboo will be
split automatically by the nail that is still sharp because the nail is very sharp, and the bamboo
fiber will easily break its structure form.

If we use a blunt nail, the fiber from the bamboo will be crushed by the nail so it won't be split
by the nail. A blunt nail is recommended so the bamboo doesn't split at all.

The Knife

A knife is a tool used to cut an object. The knife consists of two main parts, namely the blade
and the handle or handle of the knife. A knife blade of flat metal with sharp edges; these sharp
edges are called an eye knife.

Knife handles are generally elongated in shape so that they can be held firmly hand. The
general shape of a knife is similar to a sword, the difference is that a sword blade is longer
than a knife blade. If the knife is too small to cut something, a saw or an ax may be needed.

It will help you to split, carve and cut your bamboo into the shape that you want for your joints.
Here in Bali, craftsmen use the knife, named “Mutik” in Bahasa Indonesia, to shape Fish Mouth
joints, whittle bamboo dowels, and widen a chiseled hole.

With some practice, this is the tool that you will always be important and you will always go
back to when you are working with bamboo stuff. A knife that has a straight back with a curved
blade and one-sided bevel. It should be fitting for this project.
Measuring Tools And Marking
These are the most basic tools in your bamboo woodworking kit but they should not be
overlooked nevertheless.

A good ruler and a sharp pencil will do amazements to making your joints accurate, robust,
and firm.

These tools are for the most part essential to have in construction so that your joints are
designed so well for the bamboo piece you are operational with.

What to look for is a sharp pencil with a soft lead to mark the bamboo and draw out
measurements. A metal ruler with a minimum length of 30cm can bend slightly and has very
clear markings along its length.

The excellent feature of the tools you use in your bamboo design and construction process
will in some ways express the quality of your furniture piece or structure.

However, there are no recommendations for particular brands because of the shifting market
and worldwide availability, this small guide should offer you the required info to provide the
basic tools for traditional bamboo woodworking at your local hardware store.

Bamboo woodworking can seem like a very challenging task when you are beginning to work
with bamboo stuff but can be boundlessly satisfying with some determination and never-
ending practice.

The Mallet
The mallet is beneficial for applying some force to a tool, like a chisel below, or a joinery

component, like a bamboo dowel or pin. The hammer or mallet should have an adequate

heaviness to it so that you can improve a sufficient volume of capacity of strength to your

work but it should not limit your capacity to form the bamboo to your pattern. Ideally, you

should be looking for a mallet or a hammer made of hardwood, as they have a tendency to

be milder on the bamboo and your tools.

The Chisel
Chisels look like long knives with a very sharp ends. The end of the chisel can have

dissimilar shapes, whether curved or straight. Chisels are used to make holes in the bamboo

pole’s superficiality. They are perfect at creating a dowel to fit the hole in the bamboo.

Working with a material that has a round profile, it goes without saying that you should be

looking for a chisel that also has a round tip. To start with, you can select a blade with a size

of 15-20mm to design things from chairs, cabinets, tables, and other furniture to small

construction projects.

Palm Fiber (Tali Ijuk)

Kabung, Enau, or Aren is a species of plant in the Arecaceae family originating from Southeast
Asia and eastern India. Its botanical name is Arenga Pinnata. The dark fibrous bark called
"Ijuk" in Indonesia is manufactured into cordage, brushes, brooms, thatch roofing, or filters.
Palm fiber is a natural fiber that maybe only some people know that this fiber is considered a
great tool in bamboo construction.

Tali Ijuk has special characteristic essence compared to other natural fibers. The black fiber
produced from the palm tree has many privileges including:

o Long-lasting, that palm fiber or “Tali Ijuk” is able to last long and not easy to
decompose.

o Resistant to acids and sea-water salts, palm fiber or “Tali Ijuk” is one of the most
abundant fibers resistant to acids and seawater salts, one form of processing of palm
fiber is palm fiber rope has been used by our ancestors to tie various sea fishing
equipment.

o Prevent penetration of subterranean termites. Palm fiber or “Tali Ijuk” is often used as
a wrapping material for the base of the wood buildings buried in the ground to slow
wood decay and prevent attack termites.
The traditional building which uses bamboo until now is the drying tobacco warehouse. In early
2009 some drying tobacco warehouses of PT Plantation Nusantara X, Kebon Ajong collapsed.
This is due to poor connections between bamboo structures connections. It happens because
most of the connections of bamboo structures use nails. (Hamdani, 2012).
The basic weakness of the nailed bamboo connections is creating a hole in the bamboo,
which can create a bamboo break. At this time, the construction of bamboo has been widely
used in producing bamboo construction skills that are strong in the traditional way, such as
bamboo connections using rope fiber. Construction using rope fiber can bind more strongly
to bamboo due to the abrasive properties of bamboo. (Hamdani, 2012).

Thatching/Lalang/Alang-Alang/Ilalang Roof
Lalang/alang-alang/ilalang roof is a roof covered with reed grass (Imperata Cylindrica). Strand
after strand of reed grass is strung together and tied to a piece of bamboo to form a sheet of
a certain size. The strap material usually uses palm fiber or bamboo fiber.
The reed sheets will later be placed and arranged on the roof frame or structure so that they
will cover the entire roof surface and physically protect the space underneath.
Thatch roofs have been used since ancient times all over the world, from Europe, Africa, and
Asia. It's just that the material or type of grass used varies according to the type of grass in
each region.
The techniques as well as the manufacturing and installation processes also vary according
to the traditions in each region. This is possible because the production process of reeds is
very traditional and conventional because it does not require sophisticated technology.
Over time, thatch roofs began to be abandoned and are rarely used in modern buildings. This
is due to human technological advances that are able to create roof covering materials that
are stronger and fast in the production and installation process. As terracotta (soil) roofing
materials, concrete, and even metal, these types of roofing materials are used in modern
buildings.
Thatching methods have traditionally been passed down from generation to generation, and
numerous descriptions of the materials and methods used in Europe over the past three
centuries survive in archives and early publications.
In Bali, Indonesia, the black fibers of the sugar palm, called Ijuk, are also used as a thatching
material, usually in temple roofs and Meru towers
The performance of the thatch depends on the roof shape and design, the pitch of the roof,
the position of its geography and topography, the quality of material, and the expertise of the
thatcher.
What are the advantages of Thatching/Lalang/Alang-Alang/Ilalang Roof?

o Thatch has some natural properties that are advantageous to its performance.

o It is naturally weather-resistant

o When properly maintained does not absorb a lot of water. There should not be a
significant increase in roof weight due to water retention.

o A roof pitch of at least 50 degrees allows precipitation to travel quickly down the slope
so that it runs off the roof before it can penetrate the structure.

o Thatch is also a natural insulator, and air pockets within straw thatch insulate a building
in both warm and cold weather. A thatched roof ensures that a building is cool in summer and
warm in winter.

o Thatch also has very good resistance to wind damage when applied correctly.

o Because thatch is lighter, less timber is required in the roof that supports it.

o Thatch is a versatile material when it comes to covering irregular roof structures. This
fact lends itself to the use of second-hand, recycled, and natural materials that are not only
more sustainable, but need not fit exact standard dimensions to perform well.

Nipa Roof
Nipa roof is a kind of roof of a building made from nipa leaves. Nipa roof dwellings can be
found in villages in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Up until the nineteenth
confinement, important public buildings such as temples were also constructed in this way.
The nipa roof residence has been used as the inspiration for a breathable, permeable system
for the Newtown Suites, by WOHA Architects, Singapore.
Basically, the nipa roof consists of "bones" known as "bengkawan", which are made of
sharpened reeds or small wood that are folded with nipa leaves to form wings and sewn using
rattan or bemban tree bark to tie them together. At present, because it is difficult to get this
material, plastic or nylon rope is used to attach the roof.
Each nipa roof usually has a length of about 1.5 meters to 1.8 meters and the leaves need to
be folded so that they are the same length to beautify the resulting roof. A skilled roof maker
can produce as many as 80 to 90 pieces of roofing each day because the work of making it
requires careful caretakers.
To increase the durability of nipa palm leaves to be used as roofs, nipa palm leaves need to
be soaked in a river of water for at least one to two weeks before being assembled for roofing.
A nipa roof is made using only one layer of kudi roofing leaves / "kelarai", while a roof made
from two layers of leaves is known as a roof made of roofing / "mata ketam". The roof of the
ketam's eye is thicker and more durable than the roof of the kudi, but the price is higher.
Nipa roof was the most widely used roofing material for traditional buildings in Malaysia in the
past. These roofs wear out rather quickly and need to be replaced every 10-15 years.
However, for minor damage, only the damaged roof pieces need to be replaced by inserting
them between the damaged pieces.
The nipa palm roof has advantages because it is cooler because does not store heat like a
tiled roof. But it needs to be replaced every three to five years, for unprocessed nipa roofs.
However, its low price reduces replacement costs.
The roof of the soaked nipa palm leaves can last between six to eight years. The roof of the
soaked nipa palm leaves is also easier to assemble because it is softer and does not break
easily when folded.

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