AusBonsai

shibui wrote:I have an arbourtec mini grinder but cannot find replacement blades for it. Local hardware outlets no longer stock them and cannot tell me where to get blades. Anyone have ideas?

try e bay

Thanks guys for the insight.. think I will gradually build up my tools and as experience kicks in then I can expand

Cheers!

Hi everyone,

Thought I would keep this thread going rather than starting another.
Has anyone used Foredom power tools or any of their accessories?
Has anyone used Graham Potters Weasel or Terrier power carving tools?

Nick wrote:Hi everyone,

Thought I would keep this thread going rather than starting another.
Has anyone used Foredom power tools or any of their accessories?
Has anyone used Graham Potters Weasel or Terrier power carving tools?

The terrier and weasel are supposed to be real good. But the Samurai is supposed to be even better. Peter adams gave a demo of Samurai at the bonsai summit this year

Ken

Nick, I have a couple weasel bits and they are great, but mostly for smaller work. I also have a ninja bit that attaches to the Makita diegrinder and that is great for larger or bulk carvings.
If in doubt - get one of everything?

Hi..

I just bought a dremel 4000 ~ is it mainly for more intricate work and detailing ?

Not sure about the heavier carving to take off more wood

The weasels work great with the Dremel.

Hey Watto,

If in doubt - get one of everything?

Sorry mate I am like most people and bonsai on a budget. Just looking for some feedback before purchasing.
The Samurai Vs Kaizen tools are look almost identical except for the price. Kaizen tools are nearly half the price.

The Smaller hobby type machines ( Dremel, Ozito, Gmc ETC ) are great for detailed work, I have used all these machines and none seem to last long regardless of the way they are used. The Dremel lasted the longest but the bearings wear in the PLASTIC casing on all of them, even with the flexible attachment. Hence my question about the Foredom. They are available in Australia for about $500. Good value for a machine that should last a life time with all parts available including motor brushes.
I also found Bretts thread on his homemade carving tool using thread cutting tips from a metal lathe. Great idea might give it a try.

Nick

I knew my comments would get me into trouble one day. Nick, you cannot buy one tool or attachment that will do everything. As a minimum you will need something for small work, and something larger for bulk work if you have larger trees, and especially Yamadori.
I have bought a number of cutters from Kaizen and they have been very good - in fact no complaints at all. Plus it is a good time to buy now while the Aus $ is still travelling along OK. I also bought one from Ray Nesci so that be worth a try.