I need some pointers in how to go about flattening a piece of Bamboo. Are there any how-to threads out there, I couldn't find any with a search.

You start with a large enough diameter, that you can cut away everything that's not flat and still have a workable width piece.  

Look on that video internet site. There is a good video.

I have used a jointer but have recently started using my belt sander and I like using it better. But I have to be careful or I'll take too much off of one side. I check my work frequently.

I use a jointer, but you need to be very careful with jointers. They like to eat fingers. Always use the push pads over top of your work piece.

Checked out the video and it gave some good ideas, but not real good for a beginner. He has done it so many times that he has forgotten that free hand cutting on a table saw is not done without a ton of mistakes to start with    When do you take the rind off the back and how do you treat the nodes. Also should I cut it to the profile of the bow before I thin it.
Thanks for all the input.

You can remove the rind at anytime, just sand the nodes a little to take off the sharp edge. You could flatten the belly of the boo with a bandsaw, using a guide on the saw. Then use a long sanding block to get it smoother...

I start with a joiner and end with a sander.  Takes forever with the sander.

I use all the above methods and each one has it's merits. I don't remove the rind until I'm ready to finish the bow. The rind adds a layer of protection from excess glue and also helps to protect from dings and scratches.

I draw the shape on the belly first, then cut that out with a band saw.  Then I cut most of the rind away with the band saw.  Then I use a belt sander to flatten it the rest of the way.

I run it through my drum sander on a strip of 1/2" thick styrofoam insulation, nodes down, so it don't get any dips where the noded are.  I take off about .025 at a time until it's flat.

I know everyone doesn't have a drum sander, but if you make lots of bows harbor freight sells a model for about $475. I got one over a year ago and have been using it everyday (except Sat and Sun) with no problems.

-Mike

Sam? Not much rind to remove on Boo. I can't see how you could cut the rind off? The rind is the thin coating on the back side of the Boo..

I think Sam may be talking about the pith, unless he has god like control of his band saw.

Thanks for all the replies guys, I will use a combination of these methods to come up with a usable piece. I have a bunch of bamboo that isn't big enough for a bow that I can practice on.

silly question. i know you can steam and also heat bend bamboo, so can you heat flatten bamboo to make use of those pieces that would otherwise be too narrow?  i am sure that commercially thats how some of those planks are made from pressure flattening with an industrial size heating and hammer or press.  i tried the heat gun and a vice...didn't work so good. came to the conclusion that for the labor involved, it would be better to just buy it. i was just curious if anyone had been successful at this before.  and any tips for heat bending bamboo for shaping better limb profiles?

Good question Loren. If I could do that I would have a whole bunch of usable boo.

Like b.glass I too use my belt sander. I also have to be very careful not to wind up with one edge thicker than the other. I usually start with a piece 2 1/2 - 3" wide to end up with a
1 1/2" width. It's kinda slow but I'm a beginner and for me slow is good. Paul<><

Yeah, the pith.  My bad.  :-)

I know Boo is sweet for backing. But I also know it can be a PAIN in the butt:)

Roy, you have to stop sitting on the splinters  

LOL, that's happened:)