First, we need to divide the tube into 4 sections.
Holding it vertically, use a sturdy knife to cut the tube in half and the two pieces obtained again in half.
Select the best part of each piece. Tubes are never perfect and often have irregularities in shape, colour and fibre density.
Select the most homogeneous and straight middle part possible.
Cut the obtained pieces to 120.5 mm in length. We want the piece to be slightly longer than 120 mm to get a better grip with the gouge.
Tip: Always cut a little on both sides, so that you get a clean cut on both ends.
Gouger
Clamp the cane to the gouge bed using the screwdriver.
Gouge out one of the cane strips between 120 and 130 μm.
Keeping the gouge set at 125 μm is a good standard. If you are using a cane that is too soft, try going down to around 120 μm. Conversely, if the cane is too hard increase to around 130 μm.
Profiler
Clamp the cane onto the cylinder checking that it is well centred, especially towards the middle of the piece.
Mark the middle with the central blade of the profiler.
Set the movable blade adjuster to half a millimetre. Cut the first layer of bark. This reduces the tension on the cane and prevents it from breaking in the middle.
Rotate the cylinder 180° and repeat on the other side.
Mark the step with the side blade and turn the cylinder through 180° again.
Reset the movable blade adjuster.
With a good amount of pressure, especially in the first millimetre, carefully cut the entire surface.
It is a good idea to make several passes and turn the cylinder slightly each time. This way the profiler will work better.
Rotate the cylinder 180° and repeat.
Remove the carriage block. With light pressure cut the step in the cane. I recommend passing the side blade several times to avoid breaking the cane.
Rotate the cylinder 180° and repeat.
Remember to put the block back on the carriage.
