Using the Trunk-Splitter Tool

malhomme

Imagining that we want to bend a vertical trunk to the horizontal using the trunk-splitter tool, do we make one or many vertical splits?

Because this technique is similar in theory to bending by twisting, is it preferable to twist the trunk (counter-clockwise) into position?

Thanks,
malhomme

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bonsaikc

I would be very sparing of using the trunk splitter to bend a trunk. The result is rarely natural-looking.
Chris

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Chris Johnston
Sashi-no-eda.blogspot.com

Kansas City Area Workshops 2008

Bart Thomas(deceased)

There's a demo by Chase Rosade at Trunk splitting

Hank Miller

I quite often bend thick trunks which have been split with a trunk splitter. Generally I split the the trunk into 2, 4 or 6 sections depending on the size of the trunk. I usually then carefully wrap the split trunk with raffia (or Chinese string), tightly enough so that that the split sections line up as perfectly as possible. This helps to avoid any shearing in the trunk when bent. The trunk should be wrapped above and below the split section. I then place some thick copper or aluminum wire along the trunk (perpendicular to the wrapping) and wrap tightly again with raffia or Chinese string. The trunk can now be bent. It is advisable to bend only once and to use guy wires to hold the bent trunk in place. The binding should be left on long enough for the sections to fuse together but not too long which will retard the thickening of the bound section and lead to a narrowing of the trunk in the bent region. Before splitting one should remember that splitting the trunk thickens the trunk in the area of the wounds when they have healed ( the first wrapping if done carefully minimizes this) and that the split area beneath the bend should be longer than that above. If the trunk is pliable enough one can wrap without splitting and use guy wires or levers to bend the trunk. This alternative, if possible, is preferable.
Hank

malhomme

Thank you! Since the tree is just shimpaku rough-stock and is rather hopless as it is, it seems like a good canidate to use to learn a new skill. Since the bend will be near the base I can accept some swelling.

Is raffia and wire used for the "twisting" technique also?

Thanks,
Jim

Hank Miller

I am not sure what you mean by twisting. This technique can be used to coil the trunk- to make it look like some sort of helix. On the other hand if you simply want to twist the trunk (rotate it around its axis), I have not tried this. My feeling is that if one is careful it should be possible. It will require some thought about how to keep the trunk anchored after it has been twisted.
Hank

Jerry Meislik

The twisting technique involves taking a branch or trunk and using both hands to twist it on its axis. After doing this one or more times, in the same direction, the trunk can be wired and bent in any way you wish. Usually used for conifers.
Jerry

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Jerry Meislik
Whitefish Montana USA
Zone 4-5
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/

malhomme