Monday, November 18, 2019

November 18, 2019 Cutting black bamboo tubes

It is a long way until pi day. None the less, I am working on the mason bee condos.

Fortunately, I acquired a ¨clum¨ of black bamboo twenty years ago.  Since that time I have
tended to the bamboo.  It is a great species which has great features. Just the type of bamboo
which mason bees will like.

Once a single piece is about three years old it is ready for harvest.  I have already cut two or three
pieces.  I cut each piece into 4 to 5 inch lengths, The end often can contain the natural blockage.
In any case the tubes must be stuck to the back of the condo.

I happened to get a pair of shears a few years ago. The shear have a replaceable blade. This is essential because the bamboo must be cut and NOT cracked. A sharp pair of shears is essential.

I plan to have a mix of paper tubes and bamboo tubes. I do not plan to use the routed wood shelves which came with the little condos.