Making cane/bamboo powder measures

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Aggie1105

Aggie1105

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Howdy All,

I was able to get some naturally dried cane segments from near my pond. I figured it would be fun to make some fixed powder measures out of them. Does anyone have tips for removing the bit of dried tissue from the hollow inside of the segments? I figure it needs to be sanded a bit on the inside to make it smooth. Also is there a preferred way of finishing them to preserve them or do people mostly just use them as is?

Happy to have a fun side project. I’m not a master craftsman so thanks for any tips anyone can provide!
 
Aggie1105 said:
Howdy All,

I was able to get some naturally dried cane segments from near my pond. I figured it would be fun to make some fixed powder measures out of them. Does anyone have tips for removing the bit of dried tissue from the hollow inside of the segments? I figure it needs to be sanded a bit on the inside to make it smooth. Also is there a preferred way of finishing them to preserve them or do people mostly just use them as is?

Happy to have a fun side project. I’m not a master craftsman so thanks for any tips anyone can provide!
Click to expand...
A round file works pretty good, you can also take a small dowel rod and cut a slot in it, put some sand paper in the slot, chuck it up in a drill and sand the inside, doesn't have to be perfectly smooth.
 
Aggie1105 said:
Howdy All,

I was able to get some naturally dried cane segments from near my pond. I figured it would be fun to make some fixed powder measures out of them. Does anyone have tips for removing the bit of dried tissue from the hollow inside of the segments? I figure it needs to be sanded a bit on the inside to make it smooth. Also is there a preferred way of finishing them to preserve them or do people mostly just use them as is?

Happy to have a fun side project. I’m not a master craftsman so thanks for any tips anyone can provide!
Click to expand...
How 'bout a Dremel tool? This is a neat project! Let us know how it goes! Like the idea!!
 
springfield art said:
How 'bout a Dremel tool? This is a neat project! Let us know how it goes! Like the idea!!
Click to expand...
Dremel tool would probably be the fastest & easiest but I don’t have one on hand. Since it’s just a side project I’m trying to avoid unnecessary purchases haha. Thanks for the idea though!
 
Here’s one I made along with a vent pick and turnscrew.
116108EB-058E-487D-BAEA-10813BE3BC7D.jpeg
 
You can use a drill bit of equal size to clear the nodes and in between them. You might have to somewhat roast the cane over a fire or torch to help get the moisture out or it will eventually split.
 
I used to make powder measures out of river cane, no longer have access to it. I would just use a drill bit close to the size of the hole to clean up the inside if necessary. Never used any kind of finish on them because I wanted the more primitive look of I lost my measure so I used whatever I could find to replace it. Still have several around for over 30 years that still look fine.
 

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