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Now I have heard that Concave Cutters are the first tool any bonsai enthusiast shoud start with, but I was under the impression that, maybe I would want the wire cutters afraid that I would knick the bark trying to chop them off. Now I have enough for either or right now, and I am leaning towards the Concave Cutters. Any help right now would be nice. Thank you.
If you are wondering: I would be ordering from Brussels Bonsai (being the cheapest prices I could find), the 7" Concave cutters for $ 21.00, the Wire cutters are the same price and same length.
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what is the best tool for beginner to start with? what should I purchase first?
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#3
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Posted 06 April 2004 - 11:26 AM
Hi.
Personally, I'd go with the concave cutters first, as there really isn't another tool that can do the job - certainly not as easily or quickly. I have a small pair that I use for pretty much all my trimming and light pruning now.
The japanese wire cutters are useful - but only once you start having to cut off the thicker gagues of wire, as they have longer handles and greater leverage than wester-type cutters. In the meantime, you can pick up western-type wire cutters with a parrot-beak design that will cut wire without damaging the tree for next to nothing from a hardware store. The other useful wirecutters for bonsai are the scissor type with enclosed handles for small and medium wire thickness. These are great as you can keep them in the palm of your hand while wiring which saves a lot of time.
Regards,
Fish.
Personally, I'd go with the concave cutters first, as there really isn't another tool that can do the job - certainly not as easily or quickly. I have a small pair that I use for pretty much all my trimming and light pruning now.
The japanese wire cutters are useful - but only once you start having to cut off the thicker gagues of wire, as they have longer handles and greater leverage than wester-type cutters. In the meantime, you can pick up western-type wire cutters with a parrot-beak design that will cut wire without damaging the tree for next to nothing from a hardware store. The other useful wirecutters for bonsai are the scissor type with enclosed handles for small and medium wire thickness. These are great as you can keep them in the palm of your hand while wiring which saves a lot of time.
Regards,
Fish.
#4
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Zone: 7A
Posted 06 April 2004 - 09:57 PM
On the small bonsai that I do, most have been under 16", I can do 90-95% of the work comfortably with 3 various sized scissors and pruners, 8"concave cutters and a lazy susan.
Wiring is minor and as already stated, I have common electrical cutters that suffice.
I don't even use root pruners.
If you clean the roots to begin with there is no need anyway.
I stick with non-stainless steal as they sharpen very easily.
And I have a very good Lanski knife sharpening kit.
Tip: It works well around the house and as far as the wife is concerned it doesn't count toward my bonsai habit, Errr hobby.
Here is a nice little site that I think folks might appreciate.
Wiring is minor and as already stated, I have common electrical cutters that suffice.
I don't even use root pruners.
If you clean the roots to begin with there is no need anyway.
I stick with non-stainless steal as they sharpen very easily.
And I have a very good Lanski knife sharpening kit.
Tip: It works well around the house and as far as the wife is concerned it doesn't count toward my bonsai habit, Errr hobby.
Here is a nice little site that I think folks might appreciate.
A hard pruning is like a box of chocolates; "You never know what you'll get"
- Forrest Gump- 'On Bonsai'
- Forrest Gump- 'On Bonsai'
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