|
Bonsai Master, in my mind
Join Date: Feb-2005
Location: Back Home in Northern California
Country: USA
Posts: 1,726
|
Bonsai Tools For Beginners
G'day all...
I thought that the following might be worthy of a new thread...in response to a question in the BEGGINNER thread...
RECOMMENDED BONSAI TOOLS FOR BEGINNERS
The following list of tools was compiled from information gathered from several internationally known bonsai artists, including: John Naka (US), Colin Lewis (US, formerly UK), Herb Gustafson (US), Deborah Koreshoff (Australia), and Harry Tomlinson (UK).
These tools are ranked 1-10 using information from the above artists with a heavy touch of my personal opinions (I happen to like the spherical concave branch cutters and the spherical knob cutters more than the traditional tools). The first three tools listed are highly recommended for beginners, with the remainder to be added as you develop the need for them. There are some traditional American gardening tools (and wire cutters) that work as a substitute for some of the Japanese tools…but, for example, there is NO comparable substitute for the Japanese wire cutter.
The part numbers for the tools are from a Bonsai by the Monastery 2004 catalog, but, be assured, all of the tools on this list should be available from any bonsai vendor. Listed cost is approximate.
Let’s get to the list.
Description/Part #/Cost/Comments
1. 8” Trimming Shears 210401 $28 For trimming branches, twigs and (roots, very carefully)
2. 8” Spherical Concave C-8 53 For trimming branches…close to the trunk
Branch Cutter
3. 8” Wire Cutter D-5 36 For cutting training wire. Stainless steel not necessary.
The first three tools are quite important for the beginner. Other tools that will be helpful are chop sticks and tweezers.
4. 8” Spherical Knob C-3 36 For cutting knobs and branches from trunks and branches
Cutter
5. 8” Trimming Scissors 210104 27 For trimming twigs and leaves
6a. 8” Root Rake 3 tines M-13 21 Best - For combing out roots when repotting
6b. 8” Root Rake 1 tine M-11 19 Better - For combing out roots when repotting
6c. 9” Root Rake 3 tines 212017 9 Good - For combing out roots when repotting
It would be good to have both 6a and 6b.
7. Traditional Branch Trimmer 15 Traditional American branch trimmer. For larger branches
8. 9” Jin Maker Pliers D-9 29 For striping bark and making jins
9. 7” Folding Saw P-4 30 For removing larger branches
10. Turntable - A turntable is very helpful when trimming, styling and wiring your bonsai. They are available in many styles from a simple kitchen turn table to a professional model, stand mounted, with the capability to raise and lower your bonsai…priced to $800 or more.
There are many other specialty tools that you can explore as your bonsai skills grow.
Remember, for whatever it's worth, these rankings have "... a heavy touch of my personal opinion...". However, that "ht" does come with a good many years of experience.
Pat
__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.
Pat Patterson...Bonsai in the Greater Bay Area, Northern California
|