Bonsai Carving tools

[marleey73]

Hi I am interested in purchasing some tools to carve a medium size Crab Apple. I have looked around and the only thing I can see is the Dremel. I have watched Graham Potter carve a large hornbeam and he did it with a die grinder along with a Rotary Cutter which he called a Terrier. Finished it off with what he called a weasel. These tool bits do not seem to be available here. I have no idea where to get the bits he mentioned and am now confused as to what to buy for the carving. The shops are not helpful as they don't have a clue what I am talking about. Could some fellow bonsai enthusiasts please give me some direction on what to buy. Thanks in advance.

[JaseH]

What your looking for is an electric die grinder. Probably need to go to a proper trade style tool outlet, they should be able to help you out. I also notice that Tien has the carving 'bits' available on his website for sale:

http://bonsaisensation.com.au/product-category/tools/

[Jason]

Graham Potter sells all his tools, you can buy them from: http://www.kaizenbonsai.com

Although I was under the impression that a die grinder and dremel tool were much the same as each other

[marleey73]

Not easy to get a die grinder here believe me. I will have a look at Kaizen bought a bonsai watering wand from them and they were fantastic. Thank you. Went to a tool shop and the guy was not so nice or helpful.

[GavinG]

A die grinder with a router bit is way more powerful than a Dremel, which is for finer work.

Makita have a long-neck die grinder for about $150, which is very effective. If you search, you might find some reference to variable-speed die grinders. If the tool shop was useless, find someone else or order by mail.

Good luck,

Gavin

[marleey73]

Thanks very much Gavin. Will have a look at the Makita. Most of these have to be ordered. Much appreciated.

[Grant Bowie]

Makita have both Variable speed and fixed speed die grinders.

Use the variable speed one for the bigger cutter heads that need a slower speed and the fixed for grinding heads that are high speed.

Go to a specialist power tool store; easy.

Grant

[Jason]

A die grinder with a router bit is way more powerful than a Dremel, which is for finer work.

Thanks Gavin!

[BonsaiElmo]

The out of production Makita GE0600 seems to be preferred by many, while the newer Makita GD0600 is less popular (but readily available). Maybe you can pick up a GE second hand...

Instead of forking out a load more cash for a variable grinder, I believe, you can buy a fixed speed grinder such as the GD0600 https://www.gettoolsdirect.com.au/gd060 ... inder.html

And then buy a variable speed box...

While I am inexperienced in these matters (I've still not committed to buying a die grinder as I'll then spend a stack more cash on kaizen bits), I have heard that the variable speed tools (of the affordable price bracket) tend to break sooner than the fixed speed tools. Though though that is merely internet chatter...

Kaizen are very pretty quick with delivery, I ordered some dremel bits the other week and they arrived post haste.

I've not had the time to try them out yet...

Cheers Elmo

[marleey73]

Thanks Elmo. Great input. Will have to weigh it all up and see which one. I have a very cheap tool that probably won't last long and the bits that came with it are rubbish. Will have a look tomorrow. Thanks so much

[Bonsaifan]

I have a dremel and with the right bit was able to carve out a fair bit of material in a short time.

I did buy bits from Graham potter but also recently from
Rudolf Španko (took only 7 days for postage time) his email is rspanko@gmail.com.

good luck. And post some photos once you're done.

[Josh]

I have the Ozito version of the dremel, works a treat and a 1/3 of the price. I also use the Ozito router with the end removed which basically makes it a die grinder. Handles larger carvers no worries. I bought my bits from kaizen bonsai. Fantastic to carve with. Ozito have a 3 yr replacement warranty so can't go wrong.

Josh.

[kcpoole]

this thread froma few years ago talks of similar things viewtopic.php?f=20&t=7196&start=0&hilit=thread+cutter

My Thread cutter carver and Dremel still going strong. Does not remove as much at a time as a die grinder and imported tool, but i find is good enough for me
Take it slow and happy days

Ken

[fishurgutsout]

can get good advise & most makes of tools from toolmart.

https://www.toolmart.com.au/catalogsear ... ie+grinder

maybe more expensive than alternatives but they have all attachments and availability. Good luck.

[MoGanic]

Hi mate,

I actually picked up an Ozito rotary tool a while ago, and it quite literally fell apart on me. I purchased a corded makita die grinder, for 100 bucks. Got a specialized carving bit for it and have never looked back. The replacement Ozito is being used only for small jobs, it really cannot handle any serious carving imo. Haven't tried a dremel yet but I think a variable speed makita is next on my wish list hehe.

Cheers,
Mo