Q&A for How to Bend Bamboo

Bamboo that is solid and smaller in diameter is usually the best for bending with heat.

Sure! Why not? Many Eastern folk crafts have exploited bamboo's flexibility using only straightforward approaches like those in steps 1 and 2. You may want to reinforce the bamboo by using more than one stalk together in some places.

Diameter is key. Keep it close to one inch, and it should be fine.

Indefinitely if you did everything right. As it is mentioned in the article, the molecules will crystallize when dry locking them in place. But do remember, wood-like materials keep shrinking and swelling in reaction to temperature and humidity.

Yes, you can. Make sure to add ventilation holes.

Mace sure the bamboo is dry as a bone before you work with it; that's when materials like wood and bamboo are at their smallest. Dry the bamboo by a fire. Then, cure your bamboo on the outside with wax or varnish to close the pores. Tie everything together with soaking wet raffia (hence the wax). As the raffia dries, it will get tighter.

The type of the water vessel is of no consequence, just as long as it holds enough water to completely cover all of the bamboo.