Bonsai Tools For Beginners

PatArizona

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

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.

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.


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.

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Mcspeed

I wish I could remember who said it so I could quote it , and by no means is this a knock at the above list, because at some point we end up getting all the toys anyway, but this is my list.

Eyes - priceless, always protect them.

Mind - a terrible thing to waste. also used to process the info of endless books, magazines, articles, lecterers, demos, club members advise, online advise etc.

Imagination - this ones not easy to explain, if I have to , learn all the Asian rules about bonsai styling, twice.

Hardware - pruning shears 8-9" - $29.00-$49.00

Ambition - Go make a Bonsai

Nerve - Go ahead! Cut it off.

Now the hard part - A good job, because you are going to want to buy more bonsai materials. But this last step is optional, kind of.

The jist of it is for a beginner, all you really need is the pruning shears.

Ahhh you say you forgot wire. Nope thats advanced beginner.

Moleque_san

just some info, If there is an IKEA near you...you can buy a few turntables far cheaper then $800 and just as durable. the only minus is a brake to keep it from spinning.

PatArizona

"...simple kitchen turn table...priced to $800 or more...

Did I say that?

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.

PatArizona

Like your list Mc...

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.

theelmboy

and if you are gonna buy bonsai tools store them in a good safe place. keep them away from your handyman so he doesnt use them to cut steel rebar wire, i am still trying to fix mine. so a leather tool holder or case is a must for your bonsai tools