Tpsw Summary 16aug09

S U N D A Y, A U G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 0 9

SUMMARY(HOMEWORK)

Describe in no more than 80 words, how natural chair cane is produced. Rattan reaches maturity when it is the desired length and diameter and has a characteristically thorny bark. The initial stage of harvesting mature rattan, which grows rapidly, involves cutting the rattan vines about three feet from the ground level enabling the vine to regenerate new growth. Once this process is completed, the cut stock is allowed to remain untouched until the bark and thorns have either fallen off or become soft and easily removed. The vines are then pulled from the tree tops and are cut on the ground into usable `6 to 25 foot lengths. These pieces are bundled and the outside hard surface material is removed leaving the remaining soft inside layer exposed.Once at the storage warehouse, the rattan is washed and treated with sulphur to destroy insects and determine uniformity of colour by bringing out natural colour highlights. The rattan is then placed in a water bath to remove surface dirt and debris and soften the fibre. Collected and processed rattan is then taken to a plant or cane cutting facility where it is graded for size in ½ to one millimetre increments. The next step involves the scrapping or shaving of the knots or joints where the leaves were attached to the vine. Once this is completed, the rattan is placed in a roller machine which peels off the outer surface. This process yields a hard outer shell which is natural chair cane. The peeled material is then passed through a slicing machine which cuts the cane into a specified uniform thickness and width. (274words)