AusBonsai

I have been using branch cutters for nearly 10 years now and never had an issue with die back due to the branch being crushed!
using a saw which just tears the wood and cambium off would be much worse

Like anything. use the right sized tool for the Job ( use cutters suitable for the branch size) and you should leave a stub anyway in most cases

Ken

kcpoole wrote:I have been using branch cutters for nearly 10 years now and never had an issue with die back due to the branch being crushed!
using a saw which just tears the wood and cambium off would be much worse

Like anything. use the right sized tool for the Job ( use cutters suitable for the branch size) and you should leave a stub anyway in most cases

Ken

That's what I was thinking … just wanted confirmation!

I think Peter is having issues with crushing because he is sharpening them incorrectly.

Paul

63pmp wrote:I think Peter is having issues with crushing because he is sharpening them incorrectly.

Paul

That must be the case, as I have been using branch cutters and never had a problem in over 25 years.

Cheers Pup

So what is the correct way to sharpen them?

Drac0 wrote:So what is the correct way to sharpen them?

Im not an expert at sharpening Bonsai Tools, but I used to be a beef boner at the abattoir so I know how sharpening works. On my tools, I use a sharpening stone that goes in my Dremmel. You only need to "Sharpen" 1 side, then just remove the burr on the opposite side. If you "sharpen" both sides, all you are doing is softening the edge, which will break off...

I find if I don't misuse my tools then the use of a Crean Mate is all that is required to keep the edge on my tools as well as keeping them clean

Bougy Fan wrote:I find if I don't misuse my tools then the use of a Crean Mate is all that is required to keep the edge on my tools as well as keeping them clean

x2
Just buff with Crean Mate every so often

Sorry could not watch that vid above past the point where he sprayed WD40 on his branch cutters. That is not going to be good for his trees.

bonsai was meant to keep me away from the computer

Shane wrote:Sorry could not watch that vid above past the point where he sprayed WD40 on his branch cutters. That is not going to be good for his trees.

bonsai was meant to keep me away from the computer

Was wondering what that was, but thought it could be so discounted it!.
WD 40 was developed from a project to develop degreasers. Maybe that is why he gets dieback using his cutters!

Ken

kcpoole wrote:

Shane wrote:Sorry could not watch that vid above past the point where he sprayed WD40 on his branch cutters. That is not going to be good for his trees.

WD 40 was developed from a project to develop degreasers. Maybe that is why he gets dieback using his cutters!
Ken

Hah! Lesson #1 right there … better get rid off that spray …

Shane wrote:bonsai was meant to keep me away from the computer

kcpoole wrote:

Bougy Fan wrote:I find if I don't misuse my tools then the use of a Crean Mate is all that is required to keep the edge on my tools as well as keeping them clean

x2
Just buff with Crean Mate every so often

Awesome! in the vid he uses something like this and I was wondering what it was … now I know! $14 ea sounds like its worth it!

CoGRedeMptioN wrote:

kcpoole wrote:

Bougy Fan wrote:I find if I don't misuse my tools then the use of a Crean Mate is all that is required to keep the edge on my tools as well as keeping them clean

x2
Just buff with Crean Mate every so often

Awesome! in the vid he uses something like this and I was wondering what it was … now I know! $14 ea sounds like its worth it!

Ordered one yesterday. Sounds good for cleaning & may help to keep the edge on the tools.

Lol, yer I did the same...