Build A Bonsai- Wiring a branch.

[Mitchell]

Just another installment, on wiring a branch. Hopefully the animation may help some.

If you apply your first wire (red) and it isn't strong enough to bend the branch, apply another layer (blue).
Notice how no wires ever overlap.


Happy wiring!

Click image for larger/better veiwing.

[kcpoole]

Nice Mitchell, but i think the first wire should go all the way to the tip of the fine branching
then a second wire added from the tip of the first branchlet to the tip of the next one, repeat for all Branchlets.
Then on each Branchlet with the first one on that branch to the second one. Keep wiring using progressively smaller wire until every branch and twig wired

Sorta kinda like this one, but the Blue wire should not go back up the branch, but across the main one to the branch on the other side
http://www.bonsaiempire.com/train/wiring


Ken

[Mitchell]

No doubt you are correct Ken, i'll get back to you when I can work out what you just explained.
Sorry pretty tied, been sick.

I guess it also really depends on what you are trying to achieve with the branch.

[kcpoole]

Verry true
Many different ways to skin a cat really
Mabey we can have sevaral different wiring techniques shown? More work for you tho

ken

[Scott Roxburgh]

Just another installment, on wiring a branch. Hopefully the animation may help some.

If you apply your first wire (red) and it isn't strong enough to bend the branch, apply another layer (blue).
Notice how no wires ever overlap.


Happy wiring!

Click image for larger/better veiwing.

No offense intended, but I have a number of issues with this:

One of the most important parts of wiring is the anchor, there is no mention of this. If the wire is not anchored correctly or the wire is loose at the beginning, it will be very ineffective

If you apply your first wire (red) and it isn't strong enough (or long enough), it should be removed and rewired. eg 2 x 2mm wires does not have equal holding strength of 1 x 4mm wire.

We learn from making mistakes, if you continue to "leave it for now, and fix it up next time" you will never learn proper technique. You will train yourself to wire poorly and your trees will suffer.

I am by no means a master at wiring but believe it is taught poorly on most occasions.

I also understand that this is just a small pic and is not meant to be a replacement for an actual demonstration etc.

Scott.

[shibui]

Scott, I am a strong advocate for several smaller wires rather than a single large one. You are right that 2x2mm wires is not as strong as 1 4mm wire but usually after putting on the 2mm wire you only need just a little extra holding power and the second wire will give this without being excessive. I also find that several wires gives much better support than a single wire - less cracked/ broken branches as a result.
KC, much depends on the objective of the wiring. I find that running the main wire out along a side branch gives me the option to TWIST the main branch (if needed) as well as bend it. A wire along the full length is far less effective for holding any twist I need to add along with the bends.
As with most things personal instruction gives far better understanding than any picture or words but for those who cannot or will not find someone to show them this is a great start, thanks Mitchell

[Scott Roxburgh]

Shibui, I can understand your point. If I plan to use two wires to distribute the pressure points and avoid breakages (Satsuki come to mind) than perhaps two wires can be substituted for one.

However, If I plan on using one wire and apply a size too small for the job, I feel that it should be removed and the branch rewired. This will make me feel the pain of my mistake, both $ and time.

If I patch it up with a smaller wire, and 'fix it up next time', I will continually be practising poor technique and never learn to apply wire correctly.

With reinforcement of proper technique, in time I will learn to wire with less so it will become cheaper for me and cleaner to look at.

I get great satisfaction from seeing my wiring turn out well, and always strive to improve it.

[Mitchell]

Just so you are all aware, this is not my wiring diagram, I merely animated it. I believe the diagram has appeared in several publication, how reputable I do not know.

This is one of many ways to wire a branch, by no means is it the be all and end all. As Ken has suggested it may not even be right, but at least we have a taking point for discussion. This sport is all about learning, I have no issues with admiting I am wrong.

[Mitchell]

Sorry Scott I thought the anchoring maybe obvious. The diagram does not show it, though it should be there so people don't think you start on the branch. I did try adding it to the diagram, yet have limited capabilities atm on my laptop.

[Mitchell]

Keep the conversation going, I am happy to edit if we can come to a consensus about issues in image.

[NaturalSelection]

im sorry but i must agree, this demo is leaving out some major issues with learning to wire. such as - anchorage points and what direction to follow with the very first wrap around a branch.. it is a great demo for beginners!!!! Us folk who have done it a few times want more!!! MORE i tell you MORE!

inspiration found none the less! thanks mate

NS

[benny350]

Nice work Mitchell, it's really cool your doing all these.

Just too add more info to the pile, here is a vid by Grahame Potter on wiring techniques.

http://www.youtube.com/user/GrahamWPott ... HdGpf9AfQc

[Mitchell]

Sorry NS just beginner stuff, though perhaps even that maybe falling short.

[Mitchell]

OK not real happy with the way this one has turned out. I vote to remove the topic till a better diagram can be sourced/edited accordingly. I don't want to confuse anyone.

[dragonland_88]

man i'm loving your little demonstrations.