AusBonsai

Agreed, properly annealed copper comes into its own in the larger gauges.

Funny this thread should pop up......

I have been on the search for copper wire locally myself without any luck.

I asked a few members at my club where they got theirs from and bonsai network japan seems to be the place to go. I placed my order yesterday, and have to say their customer service is outstanding. (Ihad a reply email within 20 mins)

If only one of the Australian Bonsai Nurseries would bulk order and make it readily available in australia. Food for thought?

Bonsai Network Japan is amazing for bonsai wire and tools. I too endorse them. The prices are reasonable, and at the moment you can take advantage of the strong AUD against the Yen.

James

Bonsai Network Japan is good but not the cheapest place to buy - Y2,500. My most recent purchase was from Yoshoen @ Y2,200.

Not a lot of difference but it adds up on larger orders.

Jow wrote:Matt, have you used correctly annealed wire as a comparison? I have found it is softer than aluminium.

Yes, everything from 6 to 30 gauge, it makes no diff to me annealed or not.... Annealing is also only one aspect, the quality or lack there of will also play a part in the softness or otherwise, as has already been pointed out in this thread in relation to differing sources of wire made for bonsai because it is so different to the wire used everywhere else ....

What do you use 30 gauge for? What size (mm) is that?

The smallest I've used is #19 and that it a bit small most of the time...

Scott Roxburgh wrote:What do you use 30 gauge for? What size (mm) is that?

The smallest I've used is #19 and that it a bit small most of the time...

Apologise, I just double checked & its 28 SWG not 30...
0.37592mm & has surprising holding power on the little lepto I most recently used it on. It has been used on other fine wiring of delicate species as well as making extremely efficient guy wires with more hold than I thought possible for the dia.

Hi all,

Only new here but a couple of questions about wire. Never used it so excuse my newbieness.

Is copper that much better to use than aluminium wire? A kilo of aluminium is relatively easy to get & much cheaper than the copper so is it worth the difference?

Additionally, what sizes are more commonly used in both copper & aluminium?

I'm currently building up a large collection of supplies for various gardening projects, including quantities of pumice, vermiculite & perlite. Just thinking if it would be practical to order in a reasonable quantity of wire from Japan & maybe make it available to forum members.

Or should I just stick my head back in the sand & shut up?

Cheers

Drac0 wrote:Is copper that much better to use than aluminium wire?

It is a divisive subject - people usually prefer one or the other.

Some like certain materials for specific species (eg. Peter Adams prefers aluminium for Maples because 'copper gets too hot' - see his Maples book)

I personally have always used copper and hence am much more confident (and less likely to make a mistake) with copper than aluminium. They feel very different under hand.

Drac0 wrote: Just thinking if it would be practical to order in a reasonable quantity of wire from Japan & maybe make it available to forum members.

I'd work out your preferences and needs first....

thoglette wrote:I personally have always used copper and hence am much more confident (and less likely to make a mistake) with copper than aluminium. They feel very different under hand.

Getting some aluminium this week to have a go with, just not sure what size/s would be suitable. Still need to find somewhere to get good copper wire too. Copper would have stronger holding power for a given diameter too wouldn't it?

thoglette wrote: I'd work out your preferences and needs first....

Yeah, not rushing into it, be a few months yet before I consider it. Though I have no problems storing extra supplies, can always flog it off online somewhere.

Cheers

I use mainly 1, 1.5 and 3.5 mm aluminum wire on my trees as a newbie myself these were the sizes I was told would cover most things. Mia

Copper definitely has much stronger holding power for a given size than aluminium.
Aluminium is generally better to use on broadleaf/deciduous trees as copper can cause damage to soft bark easier, and copper is usually used on conifers.
I like copper, but have no issues using aluminium