Got some bamboo online. The first slat I have worked with is splintering while cutting to the pattern on the bandsaw. What do you think is the cause and do you think it will still make a good backing?

How sharp is your blade and are the teeth compatable with you material?
I find it best to cut wide and rasp to the line.

have ya got some pics Bona? are the teeth on ya band saw wide or small? as i think small would be better for bamboo.  

Well, I did recently change the blade to a courser cut. I think this might be the first bamboo I've worked since then, so that is probable the problem. Thanks. I should have thought of that.  

You learn quickly not to wipe the edges of bamboo with your hand.  :eek:  

Cut outside the line, then plane, scrape, sand to the line. Use a plane with a nice SHARP blade.

Also should stick masking tape down first and draw cutting lines over that, the tape stops the bamboo from 'grabbing' and splitting. A finer toothed saw blade too of course. Cut wide and plane down as said.
chrisg

what they all said

Thanks. That's what I've always done but this time I tried a courser blade for cutting heavier stock and didn't think about it splintering the bamboo like it did. Looks like I need a second bandsaw huh! My husbands gonna love that!