Bamboo - Who knows ?

[Zeropoint]

Anyone out there had experience working with bamboo ?
A client is querying this with me & I'm on unknown ground.
Is it viable for routing into profiles & 3D relief shapes?
Are there warning bells for using bamboo?
Finishing tips?
Any help or advice appreciated.

Bamboo thickness is 5mm & 16mm - condition unknown yet - the client will supply.

I'm going 'Net hunting later today to see what else I can find but nothing works like this board
- thanks in advance to anyone that responds.
Mark

[signmarketingman]

I use bamboo.

Do not breath the dust..
It will cause an allergy reaction if you get hay fever from being around grass. It cuts well but will tear and splinter wildly when going across the grain near the end of the board. Especially when you go across the grain in conventional mode. In other words you have to lightly climb mill when approaching the end of the board across the grain. Approach the end fibers in the correct manner. I polyurethane it all the time. It takes well.

[Zeropoint]

Many thanks Signmarketman

I am getting samples in later this week to test run
If all goes well, I'll post up some further info as I learn
It's going to be interesting either way.
Rgds
Mark

[Heime]

Mark you will have about zero problems with bamboo. Very strong and very, very stable and as you can see from our test samples it v carves brilliantly - shown straight off the tool. Its hard going on a table saw but OK if you take your time. There are some superb laminated examples over on the Shopbot forum - particularly the bowl of fruit.

Bob

[Zeropoint]

Hi Bob
Many thanks for the input.
This forum & its users have once more proven to be a true data-base of experience & constructive input.
I will be running the bamboo sample later this coming week.
Photo's to follow.

Rgds
Mark

[Zeropoint]

Ran the bamboo sample yesterday - absolutely no problems.
2mm endmill used to cut profile.
Very marginal clean up with light sanding on edges.
Unfortunately, I do not know the end use of this component yet.
I am one a few guys involved , each making a component for the final item
which is made from an assortment of materials.
My task was to deliver the attached cut out map of South Africa for the prototype.
Done!
Keeping fingers crossed that the order comes through

Rgds
Mark