Like a lot of the posters on this forum I love bamboo and have a nice grove and collection that is constantly expanding. Many other people though, don't like the most wonderous plant in the world and they want to get rid of their groves so they are letting me cut and dig up their bamboo. I am now learning how to use the culms to make benches, fences and whatever else I think I can manage.

I'd like to hear what others have to say about harvesting, drying and preparing culms for use. When is the best time to split culms? Before the culms have dried or after? I just ordered a splitter and I will probably go ahead and split some now and some later to see which is better. I've also read some about using bamboo but I'd still like to hear what people on this forum have to say. How long should I let the culms dry? When should I cut the culms down? Is there an easy way to treat the bamboo to resist rotting?

Also, I'd like to recommend a butcher's saw for cutting. The blades are hardened, with fine teeth and they can be replaced for about the same as it costs to sharpen a pruning saw. For large harvests I use a Sawzall.

Thanks.