How to Cut Bamboo Wind Chimes

Bamboo rods can be turned into wind chimes.

Bamboo wind chimes are a popular addition to outdoor garden spaces because they generate soft, pleasing sounds. They are also popular because they are durable and require little maintenance. Although you can buy bamboo wind chimes in a store or from online retailers, you can also create your own. Cutting bamboo wind chimes is not a complex process, but it requires more care than cutting wood or other materials.

Things You'll Need

• Bamboo rods
• Hand saw
• Drill
• Piece of scrap lumber
• Wire or thread
• Vise grip (optional)
• Marker (optional)
• Painter's tape (optional)
• Goggles or other eye protection

Instructions

1. Gather bamboo rods of different diameters. Larger diameter bamboo rods sound lower tones, while smaller rods sound higher tones.

2. Cut bamboo rods to varying lengths with a hand saw. A hack saw with a fine-toothed blade works well for this. Cut slowly and evenly to avoid splintering the bamboo.

3. Knock the rod against another piece of bamboo. If you like the sound it makes, keep it for your wind chime set. If you don't like the tone, cut it shorter and try again.

4. Drill small holes about 1/4 inch from the top of the rod on both sides. Place a piece of scrap lumber inside the bamboo rod before you drill, so that the drill bit will go through the bamboo and into the lumber. This will help reduce splintering.

5. String wire or thread through the holes to hang the rods.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people find it difficult to drill bamboo rods because they are round and smooth. So place a bamboo rod in a vise to keep it from rolling as you drill. You can also mark the bamboo with the tip of a permanent marker and place a piece of painter's tape on each side of the mark. This will help keep the drill bit from sliding.

• Always wear eye protection when drilling or cutting bamboo. The splinters and fibers can damage your eyes.

References

• Bamboo & Rattan: Frequently Asked Questions