how to make bamboo backing material from freshly cut bamboo???

[mnviking]

Hi gents

I cut some bamboo today and would like to know how to make backing material out of it.  It is about three inch in diameter.  I have watched some videos on using a propane torch to start the drying process.  will this sufficiently dry the bamboo to use it as a backing material??  any helpful tips on how to make this into backing material??  how thick should the backing material be??

yep I have never done it and I am pretty ignorant but help would be appreciated.
thanks

[DarkSoul]

Plenty of info under the 'search' option. Especially this topic has all the information you're looking for Also read this one.

[mnviking]

ok thanks i will try that

[Tom Leemans]

Just a side note, a couple of bamboo supply houses sell bamboo splitters that will split it into 4, 6 or 8 pieces . Basically a ring with blades at 90 degrees and handles on the outside. You can rap on the handles with a mallet to assist you if need be.

[Eric Krewson]

3" is a little too small for backing.

[mnviking]

yep three inches was too small to make backing.  only got a piece about 1 inch across when i worked it down to 1/8 inch.  drying the bamboo out with a propane torch worked great.  must say that this is a lot of work and you really do need a piece of bamboo about 5 inch in diameter to even start.  so for the effort I guess buying some backing is the way to go unless you are making a lot of backing and have the large bamboo

thanks everyone for the input