EFFECTS OF AGE AND HEIGHT OF THREE BAMBOO SPECIES ON THEIR MACHINING PROPERTIES

Abstract

The effects of age and height on the machining performance of three Malaysian bamboos, viz. Bambusa blumeana, B. vulgaris and Gigantochloa scortechinii for toothpicks, satay sticks, skewers and chopsticks were investigated. No significant difference was obtained for the percentage recovery of the three species but processing of immature culms resulted in inferior quality of bamboo products. Results further showed that these bamboos are best harvested at the age of two years or more and the use be limited only to the basal and middle portions to ensure good quality products.