Rattan and Bamboo

[Quixoticgeek]

I'm pondering the idea of having a go at the fire saw and the fire thong, which based on my research work best with Bamboo and Rattan respectively. Does anyone know where I might be able to source suitable materials to have a go at these skills in the UK?

Cheers

J

 

[Robson Valley]

Oddly, the places to start looking are the back ends of Asian grocery stores! If they don't have rattan or bamboo, they might know who does. Nearest city to me is 3hrs west by car. There's an Asian store with bamboo 4" and smaller plus a huge basket of rattan bundles (looks like chair-making stuff.) Same store, I can buy food, dishes, woks, as well.

 

[John Fenna]

Garden centers?

 

[Goatboy]

Hi Julia,
If Robsons Chinese Supermarkets luck out (or if you don't have one near you) hit your local garden center, bigger ones should have what you need.
Failing that some art stores or fabric stores may keep the ratan.
Good luck with the projects and remember; pictures or it didn't happen.

Sent via smoke-signal from a woodland in Scotland.

 

[bobnewboy]

I dont think they do rattan, but UK Bamboo are very helpful and not far from you in the SE corner of the UK. Try www.ukbamboo.com and ask for some scraps. They have a large amount and variety on site at any time.

Address: 8 Parkview Rd, Framfield, East Sussex TN22 5RH
Phone:01825 890041

 

[Macaroon]

I've often thought about a local (UK) replacement for the rattan for the fire thong, as I ain't getting any younger and the bowdrill will soon become too physically awkward if not in ideal conditions and the thong seems more easily managed for those who find kneeling difficult.

I was going to try Honeysuckle, Clematis and along that line; this thread has brought this to the fore and as soon as we get a little more clement weather I'll experiment and report back.

 

[forrestdweller]

have you thought of native timber for the fire saw?! the aborigines in the deserts of gods own country use a hardwood object (usually the edge of a woomera/miru) across the split/crack of a softer base, employing a two-man-method.....


the movie "rescue dawn""shows an interesting version of the firesaw for one person....

 

[birchwood]

I brought an 8 foot by 2 inch bit back from France, oh , a bit big?

Definitely garden centres for the bamboo, they have a range of sizes.
What size rattan? Florists use small stuff. I think Dunelm sell rattan baskets, could you dismantle one?
You do see bamboo growing in gardens, although most types spread prolifically. Ask for a cane?

 

[Macaroon]

I spent a few hours today collecting a few bits and bobs in the woods to try a few things out; what I hadn't reckoned with was that they seem to need a little seasoning to be of any use, the Honeysuckle especially is a bit delicate so I'll leave them a couple of days and give Sun/Mon over to a little experimenting and report back.