My Greatest challenge ever

[Raymond]

Gee i would love to know how you get bends in that thick material without killing it I've tried 3 or 4 times and only killed 'em...

[alpineart]

Alpine

Great stuff ill have to come out and see you when autumn hits and the cooler weather comes in . maybe before easter if you are around then . cheers [/quote]

Hi Mathew ,mate I'll be here probably laying rock , over 30 degrees is too hot for that job and with 25-30 tonnes to go i need some cooler weather . Until then I will keep at it , making progress slowly but surely .

Cheers . Alpine

[alpineart]

Gee i would love to know how you get bends in that thick material without killing it I've tried 3 or 4 times and only killed 'em...

Hi Raymond , mate they don't always work out . Wrapping with raffia then tape and wire is the best method I have tried , unfortunately the 8mm wire won't hold the thicker branches in place and it take some serious pressure to bend it hence the use of ratchet straps . These are strategically place for bending and compression at the same time and usually in the first attempt not numerous tries as it breaks branches and splits bark resulting in die back .

Once positioned they are wired off using a hook and hold type wire . Anything over about 30-35mm I usually split with trunk splitter's and the best results I've had come from a 3 way split {3rds} not a single {1/2} or double {1/4's}the later tend to separate and roll apart rather than flex and rotate from personal experience .

Cheers .Alpine

[alpineart]

Finding a few spare hours today to re-work this smaller trunk ,

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I removed the heavy wire and raffia before trimming .

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A quick re-pot and its set for a long journey in the right direction ,

Cheers .Alpineart

[Boics]

Holy moly Alpine!
Incredible work - keep it going!

[Raymond]

, nothing more from me...

[alpineart]

Hi Biocs , thanks mate , got a few more that will be posted as they get worked over

Hi Raymond

Cheers Guys . Alpine

[alpineart]

This had a quick 10 minute torture and believe me that's all it took

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, down from 1meter long to 150mm high and 300 mm wide . I simply grabbed it and rung its neck . After I finished I realized I should have done a Shohin Phoenix Graft with it

Cheers . Alpine

[alpineart]

This is another branch layer that was basically wired for downward movement . Now this took a little longer , about 6 hours plus but I had nothing better to do at least that's what I told the wife .

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using the karcher to remove the bark was the easiest and quickest way . The 50mm trunk has dead stubs making the original plan more difficult so I opted for a Phoenix graft . The trunk was screwed with stainless screws to the deadwood

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, the sliding G clamp wasn't strong enough

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so a sash clamp was used to bend the trunk cloer to the deadwood

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Wired up and branches positioned

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trimmed up and re-potted

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, not finished by any means but enough torture for now . The extra long deadwood at the base will be shortened and the top 30 % of the straight trunk will be unscrewed at a later date and have gentle curve place into it , it may require splitting as its 40mm thick .

Cheers Alpineart

[Raymond]

This is me! I need to do this! I want to do this! Oh, and when i get around to it, it would be super awesome if it lives... Alpine, once again, I the...

[alpineart]

Hi Raymond , mate just grab yourself a leggy nursery plant and a nice piece of wood with movement {old trunks are best } and give it a go . Take your time and it will work out , you dont have to twist the living daylights out of it to create a nice flowing Tanuki . Use stainless or solid brass screws just to be sure , I have used coated metals and I haven't killed any tree's yet , but just play it safe .

Cheers Alpineart

[alpineart]

I decided to test out the carving bits that have been sitting idle , unfortunately the collet for the small bit is missing so this is as far as I could manage today

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More than happy with the bits and machine .

Cheers Alpineart

[anthonyW]

Like your final pic..looking real good Alpine.

cheers Anthony

[alpineart]

Hi anthonyW , making progress in the right direction , I prefer the last pic as a front but that can change at any given moment . With some deeper carving to be done it can only improve .

Cheers . Alpine

[Slatzy]

Very impressive work alpine,
Cheers.