What Tools Are You Using?

[brenden]

Brendan, we had those scissors here and they didnt last long. I'll be talking to a local florist soon about an old pair.

Yeah I was expecting them to be up to the cut... (ha-ha) but for $8 and the volume I need to to cut I wasn't too concerned. I will tell you though that they don't go near my branches. Roots are the closest they get to

[Asus101]

Have you got a branch cutter? Steven has some good ones on his eBay store and Ledanta has some good ones too (although he doesn't have them on his ebay store, Pm him for price).

I would like some of the burin (type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I) carving tools, but they are pretty costly...
I do know that hard steel grafting knives are good for shari bark cutting.

[brenden]

*doh* Sorry and yes I do have a branch cutter. What is the link to the eBay store?

[Asus101]

*doh* Sorry and yes I do have a branch cutter. What is the link to the eBay store?

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Ledanta-Bonsai-Nursery although it looks like Steven has been a bit slack of late...

[irene_b]

The best tool that is a must is a Brain and the willingness to learn to control the words we use when addressing others.
In order to teach you have to have been the student...
Where any noob is we have all been there.
Please do not let your thoughts break out into harsh words.
Do Not let this site turn into another fight site. Those type sites do not educate in the ways of Bonsai.
Mom

[Pup]

I have and use a lot of tools both stainless steel and carbon.
I have a plethora of electrical carving tools as well as hand carving tools.
G,day Mom Well said. Like the most important nut on a car. The one behind the wheel. Pup

[kcpoole]

So are we posting big tree's?

may I?

Cleaned up with a 7" fine tooth japanese pruning saw

I would watch out Asus or the Thread police will grab you
This is defintiely Off topic so am surprised it is still here

ken

[kcpoole]

What I'm getting at here is a sensible discussion of the tools we use, especially so beginners might establish what is actually necessary.

If you wanted to aske the question "what tools shoud a beginner need" then you would have gotten different answers.

I did not mention the larger tools I use for Collecting, which include Steel handled Shovel, Sledgege and Lump hammers, Crowbar and also the ute in the photo I deleted.

[kcpoole]

"What else does a beginner need?"

Humility is sometimes useful. I listen intently when someone who knows more about the subject than me is talking.
Steve Rawkins is an interesting example. Every sentence he speaks about bonsai seems to have some wisdom you never knew about embedded in it.

I give respect to those who respect me. We are all equals, everyone can teach another something new. Even those I don't get along with I still learn from them.

Well Said Ben

[MelaQuin]

I'm going into smaller bonsai so my necessities are
Medium sidecutters
small sidecutters
mini sidecutters [damage very easily!]
small knob cutters
medium knob cutters [not used often anymore]
Japanese saw
straight pointed secateurs with spring action [why don't the Japanese develop this!!!]
toothbrush
wirecutters
root pruning scissors
bread knife for roots
chopsticks
I have other tools [jinning pliers, grafting knife, scissors, dremel and a host of selected bits] but the listed tools I could not do without.

A beginner can get by with a cheap pair of scissors, medium sidecutters and bits and pieces from the house. Only when you plunge in deeply do you need to add a selection. I find I can use 6-8 different tools working on one tree to get the work done.

And it cannot be said too often... DON'T buy cheap tools... it is not an economy!!!

[marie6065]

Also Forgot Arbortech Blade on Grinder +
Dremel For when I do some carving
and a Large Reciprocating Power Saw For removing Large amounts of material from Collected trees/ Stumps

is that stump really going to to be a Bonsai?

[marie6065]

I didn't think I had any tools until I started reading this thread. lol

Dremel formerly used for crafting.
Chopsticks
Mini garden set, small rake & shovel
Secauters
Tooth brushes
Tweezers
Velcro Tape ( from my sewing stash )
Wire

I also have a list of what I want Santa to bring me ( Birthday & Mothers day already gone)

[kcpoole]

Marie, What do you use the velcro for?

[marie6065]

Marie, What do you use the velcro for?

wouldn't have a clue yet...lol
I saw it in someone else's list and know I have some in my sewing kit.
Just added it to my sad list of tools. Which as I said is more then I thought I had

[Elmar]

I have some tools - more than I need to get into trouble! but have just looked thru YouTube to see how to look after mine … and came across a post by Peter Warren who doesn't like using Branch cutters because they 'Crush' the wood causing die-back... I know it is credible (see his demonstration) but has anyone else seen that/ come across it/ experienced this??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Cc3gZbMos take a look and let us know, please.

Being new, I am concerned that my lack of experience coupled with this additional, 'potential' issue will reduce the chance of success...