1 Bamboo is shipped to the fishing rod manufacturer in the form of hollow canes about 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) long and about 1.25-2 in (3.2-5.1 cm) wide. The canes are split in half lengthwise with a heavy knife or a cutting machine. The interior of the split cane contains thin partitions spaced about 15-18 in (38.1-45.7 cm) apart. These natural partitions occur at the points where leaves emerge from the bamboo plant. They are removed with a chisel or cutting tool. The bamboo may then be heated briefly to harden it. Some makers of bamboo blanks soak the bamboo with a liquid plastic resin to strengthen it and to make it waterproof.
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