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Retrieve a spatula from the kitchen and set in on a piece of uncut bamboo. The spatula should be about 12 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide and 1 inch deep. Cut a piece of bamboo approximately the same size.
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Trace the outline of the spatula onto the bamboo wood. This will serve as your template to cut and form the backscratcher.
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Put on safety glasses. Clamp the bamboo with the traced spatula template in a table vice.
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Cut along the template with a jig saw, following the traced lines as closely as possible. Cut carefully as bamboo can easily splinter, ruining your project. You should now have a block of bamboo that resembles the same shape as the spatula.
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Carve into the blunt end of or "blade" of the spatula with a wood carving knife to begin forming a "claw" with at least three throngs or teeth. Start by cutting into the bamboo at a 45 degree angle and "scooping" the blade up, making a spoon-like cut out. This will be the most laborious part of making the backscratcher.
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Continue to carve and shape as necessary to create your "claw" like end. You'll want to have the "claw" be at least 3/4 inch wide, containing three distinct throngs.
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Sand the bamboo backscratcher thoroughly to remove any splinters and to smooth the surface. Apply stain or paint, if desired thereafter.
Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.