Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Bogert wrote:

Hello,
     I was just sitting here thinking... and then I thought how do you get the binding flush with the edge on each side of the center joint?  I have 4-rin rattan binding, is that too big to work well there?  How exactly do you wrap it?  In the past I have used other materials and used a knot that goes inside the binding, but I tried that with the rattan and it breaks.  What is the best way to do this?  Thanks for any input and pictures always help if their are any that pertain to this. 
                                                                                                         Chris

Chris,

Some makers use a two part epoxy to glue the rattan in place. Another option is to use shuai urushi (brown) to glue and "paint" in the rattan. The advantage of urushi is that it also stains the rattan to your desired shade.

Cutting and shaping a slightly inward sloping bevel into the female end of the shakuhachi allows for a flush fit for both ends. Mejiro sells some handy files for achieving this. You can also make your own from scrap bamboo and sand paper.

Once the the joint is flush, it's a matter of wrapping the binding (wider rattan should work too) then slicing off the overhanging rattan. Paint the area that will be wrapped with glue or urushi. Start a centimeter or two in and work towards the joint for each end. Feather the starting end of rattan. Fold the tiny end in and wrap over it a few times. This will secure it in place. There is no need for a knot. Finish file and sand carefully until the fit is flush.

Keep in mind there are many ways to do this. This is one tested method.

Ken

Here is a shot of a careful fit without using urushi. (Notice the light color of the binding)

How do you do that, Chris, and is it translating, or typing nonsense?

Thanks!

-E