After four decades, returning to the hobby. Questions about tools and wire

[joetattoo]

Hello, all
My name is Joe, and I live in a rural area in Long Island, New York. Back in the 70's, after taking courses at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, I spent some 5 years growing indoor Bonsai. (I lived in Manhattan, so options were limited). One Winter day, I experienced a disaster when I came home one evening to find that my steam heat had gone crazy and it was over 100* in my apartment. All my Bonsai were fried to a crisp. I disposed of all my dead friends, pots and all, and honestly, just didn't have the heart to begin all over again.
Now, two years from retirement, I would very much like to re-enter the hobby, but feel I am really a Novice again, and have some questions. First, I don't believe that aluminum wire was used back then. I am comfortable with copper, but understand it is now expensive. Is aluminum the new standard? Also, my tools were misplaced over the years, and I would like to buy one very good set as opposed to disposable tools that quickly dull. I am certainly not wealthy, but understand that I will probably have to budget about 600.00 or more for some that I've seen. (there seems to be many more tool brands today than I remember!) Any help you can give me in these regards, as well as any help getting started would be appreciated. I intend to grow both indoor and outdoor varieties.
Thank you
Joe

 

[JudyB]

Hi Joe welcome back!
I think that copper is something that some feel strongly about, mostly for wiring pines. I use aluminum (up to now) exclusively. If you want to put a big bend in something, then copper is recommended, as it holds it's shape more strongly. (I just ordered my first batch this past week) I know that for deciduous trees, that aluminum is what a lot of people use.
As far as tools, you can get a fairly inexpensive starter set on ebay, like $60.00. For me that's been enough, with a few additions, like wire cutters, and a better set of shears, and some larger cutting tools. Save your $600.00 for a tree!!! Of course this is just my opinion, so folks love their tools.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bonsai-Tool...062806?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item5656c6e516

or this one has a different selection of tools.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-14pc-BO...483372?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item5af60388ac

 

[fore]

Hi Joe, if you really do want to spend $600, then you can get a set of really nice stainless steel tools, something like this: http://www.weetree.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=204

Or, like Judy said, buy a cheaper set of tools and use the money for trees, which is what I'd probably do but boy, would I love a set of SS tools. The feel is so smooth and silky

 

[Poink88]

Hi Joe, if you really do want to spend $600, then you can get a set of really nice stainless steel tools, something like this: http://www.weetree.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=204

Or, like Judy said, buy a cheaper set of tools and use the money for trees, which is what I'd probably do but boy, would I love a set of SS tools. The feel is so smooth and silky

I won't pay $300 for that set. Personally, I'd buy them piece meal, get at least intermediate grade concave and knob cutters (or better) and cheaper of the rest. I'd probably have all of the critically needed tools covered (for me) w/ about $300 budget.

Depending on the size of trees you will work on, here is a list I will start with...

- 8" Japanese Concave cutter (intermediate grade or better approx $75)
- 8" Japanese Knob cutter (intermediate grade or better approx $75)
- 7" wire cutter ($15 - Chinese)
- ARS pruning scissors ($22)
- Utility knife w/ disposable blades ($10)
- Japanese bonsai pruning saw ($17)
- regular pliers ($3)
- regular long nose pliers ($3)
- regular small bent long nose pliers ($3)
- chopsticks ($0.10)
- 27" Fiskars 3x lopper ($38) ($21 for smaller one)
- 8" folding Corona pruning saw ($22)

Have fun!!!

 

[Poink88]

Re: the sets that Judy posted, they can be used but not knowing what you are missing is indeed a bliss. Sorry but you cannot compare those with good quality tools. Not just for you as the user, I am sure your trees will know the difference as well.