Press to flatten bamboo stalks

Abstract

A disclosed pressmay flatten halved bamboo stalks or other workpieces without loss of volume or splintering. In a first mechanical movement executed by a pushrod drive train, a plurality of spreader bar assembliespress upon the centerline of a workpiece such that the workpiece does not move off of a work surface but is yet not over crushed. Each spreader bar assembly may comprise two spreader barshingedly attached to a pushrod. The lower end of the pushrod and proximal endsof the spreader bars pin down the workpiece. In a second mechanical movement executed by a crusher bar drive train, the distal ends of the spreader bars are moved outwardly and spread apart the curved walls of the workpiece. In the last phases of a second movement, planar track platespress downwardly upon the workpiece.