Bonsai tools from common tools

[remist17]

I am doing some looking on the internet for actual correct tools. Is there any sites out there that are better (cheaper) than others? I do not use Ebay.
Looking for shears and concave

Hows Penjing Iron works?

 

[Poink88]

Hows Penjing Iron works?

No idea but based on this review site...I won't be buying from them anytime soon.
http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/c/6115/

 

[berobinson82]

Just a broken desk chair that I put a surface on to view trees.

 

[Bill S]

I have to interject something here, cheaper in this case doen't mean better, I advocate buying the best tool you can afford, wait a bit if needed, remember we push patience.

 

[remist17]

you are all correct. Thank you for the information. I also dug out some old chisels and carving knifes I have. I also carve wood so these will come in handy.

What sites are good to buy from then?

 

[jk_lewis]

This thread is likely to get you chastised by the purists here, do not mention you heard it from me, but look up channellock end nipping pliers. They make excellent concave cutters, there are also less expensive end nipping pliers that will work too, I have seen them as cheap as $5.

ed

Almost, but not quite. The edges always will be more ragged and need extra trimming because they're not quite as sharp.

I tried and went back to the concave cutters. If ever a tool was designed for ONE task done right, it is the concave cutter.

Other tools that work -- ANY adjustable pliers will do fine as a jin pliers. I use a hoof pick for horses as a root hook. They're $2 at a horse supply shop/catalog.

 

[Paradox]

I bought a 14 piece tool set and a cloth tool roll from Amazon last year. The tools are carbon steel so you need to make sure you clean and keep them well oiled. The set was $80 which is pretty cheap considering one stainless steel tool can cost that and more. So far they have worked very well and I'm happy with them.

 

[lordy]

I use a canvas tool bag like this that I think I got on ebay for about $12. I dont like just tossing sharp tools together with other steel items. Quick way to dull or knick cutting edges. As a matter of fact, I keep my good cutters in the plastic sleeves they come in.
For a root hook I took a 10" steel spike and bent the pointed end to look like the letter J, and then cut the nail head off and drilled a hole in a piece of broken axe handle and glued the nail in. Freebie and repurposed junk.

 

[mat]

What sites are good to buy from then?

I've been very happy with the service from www.Stonelantern.com Good prices, a wide range of tools, books, etc. So, you can either save up for a top quality pair of pruners or jump in get a beginner's pair. I also recommed Wayne's email newletter/blog "Bonsai Bark". He sends (almost daily) messages with some cool bonsai stuff and a little self-promotion.