bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - How can I bend thick trunks?

I have used this technique on trunk chops in order to get a straight trunk afterwards as I described here. Adam is correct, you must be sure that the trunk touches itself and that the cranium lines up in order to assure success.

Depending on the size of the trunk, heavy wire, rebar, or guy wires can be used to bring the trunk into shape. For the straight chops I use this technique for, I used either rebar or a chop stick wired to both sides.

When I have removed a wedge from under a thick branch that I need to bring down or on a species that does not respond well to normal wiring, I used heavy gage wire or a tie down to assure the two parts met.

The key is to judge the size and depth of the wedge correctly (this comes with practice) so as to prevent bending the branch back and forth repeatedly. I have always used a straight razor for these cuts as it allows me to take out thin slivers and gives me more control over the process.

Good luck,

Will Heath

EDIT: As John Dixon pointed out to me with a laugh.... the above should read Cambium and not Cranium as we can never seem to get two heads to line up here.

Thanks John.

11-Feb-2005	#24
Will_Heath BANNED Join Date: Apr-2004 Location: Clinton Township, MI Country: USA USDA Zone: 6 MI AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 4,227	I have used this technique on trunk chops in order to get a straight trunk afterwards as I described here. Adam is correct, you must be sure that the trunk touches itself and that the cranium lines up in order to assure success. Depending on the size of the trunk, heavy wire, rebar, or guy wires can be used to bring the trunk into shape. For the straight chops I use this technique for, I used either rebar or a chop stick wired to both sides. When I have removed a wedge from under a thick branch that I need to bring down or on a species that does not respond well to normal wiring, I used heavy gage wire or a tie down to assure the two parts met. The key is to judge the size and depth of the wedge correctly (this comes with practice) so as to prevent bending the branch back and forth repeatedly. I have always used a straight razor for these cuts as it allows me to take out thin slivers and gives me more control over the process. Good luck, Will Heath EDIT: As John Dixon pointed out to me with a laugh.... the above should read Cambium and not Cranium as we can never seem to get two heads to line up here. Thanks John.