SPLIT BAMBOO RODMAKING 161 



The plane cannot with safety be used in finish- 

 ing strips in the short block. The proper tool 

 for this is the flat file. 



Test all angles of the strip frequently with 

 the little steel gauge, going from end to end, 

 filing, testing, sighting along the strip, blow- 

 ing the dust out of each groove before laying 

 the strip in it. 



Proceed in like fashion with the other strips, 

 each one of which must be an equilateral tri- 

 angle in section; that is, excepting the con- 

 vexity of the rind side. In other words, the 

 apex of the triangle must be exactly opposite 

 the center of the enamel base, as in Fig. 50, 

 and the angle formed by the two pith sides 

 60 degrees. Each of the edges must be sharp, 

 and in order to make them so, be careful that 

 you do not raise a sliver at the enamel edges, 

 and in removing it destroy the perfection of 

 the glue joint. 



Turning the grooved block over, take up 

 your strips for the tips. Even greater care 

 is necessary with them, for they run so small 

 at the tip end that the least error will ruin 

 one. Use the gauge frequently. Do not be 

 satisfied with a fair strip; make it perfect. 

 Keep in mind the fact that you cannot use the 

 rod for several months, anyway, and that a 



