AusBonsai

Hi people this is a method i have employed to bend trunks .As most of you know i'm not one for doing the norm when it comes to wiring .The trees in question is are Pinus Nigra -European Black Pine - 50mm trunk and a Pinus Mugo - 25mm trunk "Trainers" . bean pole striaght and have all the defects of a REJECT trees . .

Using a piece of 10mm Hard-drawn copper tube i loosely spiral wrap the tube and trunk together .First anchour the tube at the base then wrap the wire up to the mid section .Then using another piece of wire secure the top and spiral down to met the bottom wire in the middle .A gap of about 3-4 mm between the tube and trunk is desireable on a 50mm trunk .With the wire attached the trunk can now be bent into the desired position.If movement is required in both directions on a thick trunk use another tube 90 degree's to the first one

As the copper tube is hardened it does not require constant manipulation to achieve the result i'm after , however it does take a big effort to move the tube and trunk as one . Over bending will kink the tubing and then a weak point is produced . The Nigra now has a curve of around 70mm whilst the Mugo has had over 360 degree's spiraled onto the trunk .. After about 4-6 weeks the trunks relieve themselves of the pressure so the wires are adjusted from the centre . Simply unwrap the lower half , retention then repeat on the top section . The bark isn't damaged by the wire or the tubing , if in doubt simply pad the trunk with raffia or rubber tubing split down .Not for everyone but it works for me , saving time and wire . Cheers Alpine

interesting alpine

how do you put the force in to get the movement, the 50mm trunk would be quite difficult, i presume you have bending bars for this? the curves just seem to be more flowing than when a bending bar is used?

Hi Jamie , no bending bar used just brut strength . If a bar was employed it may kink the tube .Yes ya gotta get tough , strap the trunk to the pot lean it over and bend it over the knee . Easy does it but do it .Cheers

nice work mate, nice work!!!

there ya go guys, all those beginners out there that are worried about braking things, or hurting the tree, nothing but brute strength used in this technique!!
and if you have ever seen videos on styling and repotting trees are quite a lot tougher than you first think! that was one of the things i was so careful with for so long, not bending the branch as far as i should due to being scared. be careful but be tough!

Inginuity alpine. i think thats awesome, thanks. Woody

By the way Alpine, the trees arent bad either.

woody wrote:Inginuity alpine. i think thats awesome, thanks. Woody

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Hi Woody , If it works use it , thats my philosophy , Keep it simple and it is .Cheers

bodhidharma wrote:By the way Alpine, the trees arent bad either.

Thanks Bodhi , the Nigra has 4 sets of bar branches ,left on purpose or there wouldn't be any tree. The Mugo needs a wire job on the foliage but i haven't got time to do the fiddly stuff on it .I think i should jion that group that turns a blind eye to all these faults but the canopy hides them well .Pleasing to the eye .Cheers

alpineart wrote:I think i should jion that group that turns a blind eye to all these faults but the canopy hides them well .Pleasing to the eye .Cheers

Welcome to the club Alpine

Greetings,
I have seen a similar result by protecting the trunk and bark with raffia or bicycle inner-tube and then multiple 3 or 4 mm copper wires along the trunk. All held firm to the trunk with wire in the standard way.
This triple layer of support will stop the sudden break and keep the bark intact. Also allows bending bars to be used.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

MattA wrote:

alpineart wrote:I think i should jion that group that turns a blind eye to all these faults but the canopy hides them well .Pleasing to the eye .Cheers

Welcome to the club Alpine

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Hi Matt , which club .! The AUSBONSAI club Cheers Alpine

bonsaibruce wrote:Greetings,
I have seen a similar result by protecting the trunk and bark with raffia or bicycle inner-tube and then multiple 3 or 4 mm copper wires along the trunk. All held firm to the trunk with wire in the standard way.
This triple layer of support will stop the sudden break and keep the bark intact. Also allows bending bars to be used.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

Hi Bruce , your right there is more than 1 way to skin a cat , i have tried the method you described and many others .Quick and simple is how i like it , less wire , less work even better .Cheers Alpine

Nice work Alpine

Thats what I like about this place different ideas being put out there for all to learn new things.

Thanks Andrew

AndrewM wrote:Nice work Alpine

Thats what I like about this place different ideas being put out there for all to learn new things.

Thanks Andrew

Thanks Andrew , Thats why i'm here , for the inspiration , motivation and information that everyone shares ..Cheers