"When the bamboo is received (in the US), it is checked for moisture
content. If it is over 13% it must again be stored and dried until it is
13% or less. Storing and drying bamboo anywhere in the U.S. under natural
air drying conditions with the exceptions of parts of Arizona and Death Valley
will never reduce the moisture content of the bamboo to less than 8% and
very rarely as low as 8%. A hundred years of storing and drying will not
reduce it lower than this... If your climate has a relative humidity of 50%
you can air dry bamboo to 9.5% moisture content. ... Bamboo with 13% moisture
content will shrink little in any part of the U.S. and works up well for
fishing rods. Lower moisture contents are, however, some better. By careful,
slow, scientific kiln drying, the moisture content can be safely reduced
to as low as 4% without damaging the bamboo in any way. In fact, 4% scientifically
kiln dried bamboo makes excellent rods."
"Professional Split-Bamboo Rod Building Manual and Maufacturer's Guide" by
Geo. Leonard Herter (1949)
--
************************ ><((((((((º> *******************************
Jimmy D. Moore - Scout Exec. BSA (Ret.), TOWA, TF&G Contributor, GRTU Past VP. Past Pres. McGregor Rotary. Freelance Outdoor writer, humorist, half-assed Texan and collector of classic bamboo fly rods and classic golf clubs
Author - "MOON HOLLER MISFITS Fishing & Hunting Club", ©
JIMMY D's Fly Fishing Website http://bigtroutman.tripod.com/
JIMMY D'S Classic & Antique Golf Club Site
http://bigtroutman.tripod.com/rayadoclassicgolfclubs
********************************************************************
"Being able to read trout streams is just as valuable to a fly fisherman as the ability to read a defense is to an NFL Quarterback."
Jimmy D. Moore - © [2004]
************************ <º))))))))>< ******************************
