Authors:F. W. Owusu, E. Appiah-Kubi, S. L. Tekpetey, C. Essien, P. I. Arthur and G. K. Zorve
Abstract:The level of awareness and acceptance of products from native bamboo species from many countries is low. Efficient promotion through establishment of its working properties is essential. In this study, bamboo culms from plantations in Ghana were extracted, processed, dried, planed and glued. Test samples were prepared using ASTMD 143- 94 and 1666-87. These were planed with two cutting angles and three feed speeds at a spindle speed of 5,200rpm. The surface qualities of the planed samples were evaluated and graded according to ASTM D 1666-87. The samples were further used for sanding tests using five grit sizes of sand papers and belt sander. A second sanding operation with grit size 250 was performed manually to finally prepare the surfaces of the prototype products for the application of wood finishes. Results revealed that surface planing quality increased with decreasing cutting angle and feed speed. Sandpaper P60 eliminated all torn/chipped grain defects while the highest percentage surface quality for each species was recorded with P150 followed by P120 and P100. The ease of planing and sanding was classified as moderately easy to slightly difficult. Laminated wood members for panel door production were prepared and sanded and fixed together using dowels and 'Woodchem' adhesive. A good quality laminated bamboo panel door was produced. Bamboo utilization for door manufacturing is recommended for enhanced marketing.
Keywords:Bamboo species, laminated panel door, planing, product development