Hello everyone, I just wrapped up a bamboo project, and it was fun, challenging, and time-consuming. This was a request from a previous client to recreate a full replica of a dilapidated handrail. I took it down, measured everything, and prefabricated the new pieces off-site. Bamboo definitely works differently from typical wood. It is strong and lightweight, but you have to respect it. Pre-drilling was key to avoiding splitting, and even then, you have to be careful. I also created multiple jigs to drill holes where the smaller bamboo pieces met at different angles. I used a hole saw to shape the ends so the transitions and joints aligned cleanly, held tightly, and followed the natural curvature of the poles. Fresh saw blades are a must since bamboo tends to splinter and peel. I did a light sanding and finished it with a protective sealant formulated for bamboo, which helped bring out the color and even everything out. I also incorporated braided seagrass accents to hide joints and transitions. It added a really nice texture and paired well with the bamboo. Overall, I am happy with how it turned out and would love to know what you think. It was a great change of pace from standard materials. I am heading back this weekend to finish a few sections with more braided seagrass and am considering adding a spar urethane to the seagrass portions for extra protection. Curious what others are doing for finishing and long-term durability with bamboo and seagrass... Update: Project complete; pics added. I decided against the urethane because I wanted the fibers of the grass too remain pliable and I already had a coat of sealer on them anyway; I just added another coat. Thanks for checking it out! -Mark

Hi, I am a beginner wood worker that want to make some projects, I don't have space for a table saw, jointer, band saw, router table or track saw in my workshop/shed.Any suggestion on what project I can make?

We all have a pile of “too good to throw away” pieces sitting around. Sometimes, those random pieces become our most creative builds. What’s the coolest or most unexpected thing you’ve made from leftovers? Tell us how you’ve turned offcuts into something useful, clever, or just plain fun (photos welcome!). 🏆 Prize: $100 Sawinery Gift Card (perfect excuse to grab that tool you’ve been eyeing 👀) 📅 Winner announced on October 20!

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