Tools - What should a beginner purchase?

[Leevers]

Hi guys,

I'm new to Ausbonsai, and am slowly pursuing my way into the world of the Bonsai.

I've purchased a couple of books and am looking to grow my knowledge along with having a play with a couple of mature bonsai's. I'm yet to have purchased any Bonsai's and am on the look out for what tools are required for maintenance and so forth?

I have looked around and have found some stainless steel products, and have also found some other interesting products. Is there any pro's and con's regarding quality and material? I'm going to assume with stainless steel, the ability to sterilize would be far more viable than that of lower grade material.

I'm looking at heading out Wednesday to purchase some tooling from a shop here in Perth, and don't want to walk in blind.

Any advice is appreciated.

Regards,
Chris

[stymie]

Stainless steel tools are good.
As a newcomer to the hobby, I wouldn't spend a king's ransom on tools yet.
Purpose made tools make life easier for someone with a lot of trees but tools found in the average home are adequate.
If you are adamant about buying some, start with a pair of long handled scissors and consider a medium sized pair of concave branch cutters as your second purchase.

[Leevers]

Thanks Stymie!

I've seen some stainless tools kits available for about $150. Parting with the money won't be a problem as even though I'm only starting out, it's something I plan to sink my heart into, thus the need for the tools will become apparent over time. I'll head there Wednesday and see what the guys have to offer. If nothing to over the top I'll pick it up, otherwise I think I'll do as you say and just pick up a couple of things that will be required for the time being.

[andrewn]

you will need a chain saw (shorter the bar the better ), an angle grinder (100mm)( use a masonic disc ) , a good pair of secateur and a pair of wire cutter (sparkie use s them) that will be plenty for now

happy bonsaiing

Cheers
Andrew

[kcpoole]

A minimum Kit will be
Trimming scissors
Root trimming scissors
Branch Cutter
Root rake
Chopstick

get one of each shoud not be more than $100 or so will keep for a while
Add to the collection as y0ou skill and experience grows

Stainless tools are great if you can afford them, but after 6 years I have only just replaced my original Trimming scissors with a stainless pair

Ken

[Leevers]

Thanks for the advice.

I've been reading about carbon steel and the likes of other materials used for tools. Are these a worthy buy or is S/S the way to go? I'm trying to gauge quality also

[Pup]

One of my pet hates when it comes to tools is the lack of Maintenance of them. A clean sharp tool will out last one that is neglected 10 times over. Whether they are stainless cadmium plated or carbon steel. Good quality carbon steel is good, it is better than bad quality Stainless.

One thing to remember the scissors for Bonsai, are different than scissors for sewing use. They have a loose feel this is to stop you cutting wood that is too heavy for them. Therefore putting a strain on them

Branch or concave and knob cutters have an over bite. If the jaws meet and do not overlap they will not cut properly.

Wire cutters are designed to cut the wire off, of the branches and the trunk, as well as cutting, for using to put on the tree. With electrician's pliers try to cut the wire off when it has to. Also try them both on a piece of wire you will feel the difference.

Lees Bonsai world in Bedford has all the cheap and the good. As does Bonsai Emporium. After this one of the most important things is a Crean Mate for cleaning them and removing sap, and a fine steel to keep an edge without wearing them out.

Cheers Pup

[Leevers]

One of my pet hates when it comes to tools is the lack of Maintenance of them. A clean sharp tool will out last one that is neglected 10 times over. Whether they are stainless cadmium plated or carbon steel. Good quality carbon steel is good, it is better than bad quality Stainless.

One thing to remember the scissors for Bonsai, are different than scissors for sewing use. They have a loose feel this is to stop you cutting wood that is too heavy for them. Therefore putting a strain on them

Branch or concave and knob cutters have an over bite. If the jaws meet and do not overlap they will not cut properly.

Wire cutters are designed to cut the wire off, of the branches and the trunk, as well as cutting, for using to put on the tree. With electrician's pliers try to cut the wire off when it has to. Also try them both on a piece of wire you will feel the difference.

Lees Bonsai world in Bedford has all the cheap and the good. As does Bonsai Emporium. After this one of the most important things is a Crean Mate for cleaning them and removing sap, and a fine steel to keep an edge without wearing them out.

Cheers Pup

Thanks for the helpful info Pup! You come highly recommended to me and I've only been here a couple of days :p

I don't mind spending the money by any means, so if carbon steel is recommended or S/S is the go then I'm happy to purchase either. I don't expect this to be a cheap hobby or anything of the sort. However, I do want to spend the money wisely and ensure I have the best my money can buy at the time and that it's to be used for the right purpose.

I'm heading to Bedford tomorrow morning to purchase some tools and a couple of bonsai's to get me started.

[Pat093]

im new as well and i just bought these and the are great

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Rust-Free-Bonsai ... 3caf27b9cc

[Pup]

One of my pet hates when it comes to tools is the lack of Maintenance of them. A clean sharp tool will out last one that is neglected 10 times over. Whether they are stainless cadmium plated or carbon steel. Good quality carbon steel is good, it is better than bad quality Stainless.

One thing to remember the scissors for Bonsai, are different than scissors for sewing use. They have a loose feel this is to stop you cutting wood that is too heavy for them. Therefore putting a strain on them

Branch or concave and knob cutters have an over bite. If the jaws meet and do not overlap they will not cut properly.

Wire cutters are designed to cut the wire off, of the branches and the trunk, as well as cutting, for using to put on the tree. With electrician's pliers try to cut the wire off when it has to. Also try them both on a piece of wire you will feel the difference.

Lees Bonsai world in Bedford has all the cheap and the good. As does Bonsai Emporium. After this one of the most important things is a Crean Mate for cleaning them and removing sap, and a fine steel to keep an edge without wearing them out.

Cheers Pup

Thanks for the helpful info Pup! You come highly recommended to me and I've only been here a couple of days :p

I don't mind spending the money by any means, so if carbon steel is recommended or S/S is the go then I'm happy to purchase either. I don't expect this to be a cheap hobby or anything of the sort. However, I do want to spend the money wisely and ensure I have the best my money can buy at the time and that it's to be used for the right purpose.

I'm heading to Bedford tomorrow morning to purchase some tools and a couple of bonsai's to get me started.

Ring me before you go I can help you we do not live that far apart. Pup

[Leevers]

Will do!

Thanks again Pup. It's more than appreciated.