Jow has discussed hardwood drilling to bend heavy branches in
this post.
Quote from Jow:
Basically the technique involves drilling a hole on the inside of
the proposed bend. Use a drill bit around 1/3 - 1/5th the diameter
of the material to be bent. Put a mark on the drill bit to ensure
that you don't drill too deep and go through the other side of the
trunk. you want it to go about 2/3 through the trunk. Once you
have a hole drilled insert the drill again and move it around in
all directions, effectively removing as much heart wood as possible
through the one hole. Move it up down and side to side. If it is
a really thick branch you may need to drill several of these holes
along the length of the bend. One hole will make a sharp bend where
as 3 or so along a 15cm section will make a more gradual bend.
Once the hole or holes are drilled Rafia the to be bent section
and add reinforcing wores. then bend as you would any other
branch. It should bend easily.
The best part about this technique is that it leaves very little
scaring. An older technique that i am sure you are familiar with
is the cut a wedge technique. I have always found this to leave
an ugly scar for a long time after its healed and i wouldn't use
it on very thick material.
Hope this makes sense.
I would like to try this technique on a black pine.
I would like to know when is the best Melbourne-time to do it?
If Melbourne mid-July is an appropriate time?
Thank you and best regards.
