Need advice on Bonsai tools

[pmalelis]

I am hoping to Take Bill Valavanis's Classes this fall and I will need some tools. I have worked at Home Depot for 11 yrs, so I am not gonna be one of those people that say I need "the very best tools at a cheap price", I hate that. I know you get what you pay for, I have learned that from everything from tools to flyfishing gear. However If you were on a rather tight budget (try explaining to your wife how important Bonsai tools are if she barely gardens haha), and needed the basic tools where would you folks steer toward. I am fairly knowlegeable about steels, as I am also into knives, so I do know my ss steels vs carbon vs laminates. All opinions are welcome!
Pete

 

[Dirty Nails]

I use these wire cutters. They work perfectly even for heavy wire. I have found that any "bonsai" wire cutters near this price range are junk.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-To...agonal-Cutting-Pliers-D228-8/100020319?N=12kz

 

[jk_lewis]

The only tools you need for Bills workshop are:

1. Concave cutter (first 2 tools below; size depends on tree size)

and

2. A pair of ARS garden shears (A.M. Lennard). (White/red handles, either one)

3. And, I suppose, a wire cutter that cuts at the TIP (The one above the others - Sears, $5.00 20 years ago)

That other tool isn't needed.

 

[coh]

For the actual classes, you don't need any tools as they can be rented for a few $. At least, that was the case when I took the classes, so you should verify that with Bill. Anyway, renting the tools for the first class or two would allow you to get an idea of what you need and what you like before you buy. Just a thought.

Chris

 

[Adair M]

If you don't have any tools, then the idea of renting tools for the workshop, then buying afterwards is a good one. Bill V sells tools.

You don't have to buy the super premium tools. I have some Masakuni (the super premium brand) for over 30 years. But other brands are good, too. I would take Bill's advice.

Back in the day, I started with a "starter set", then added over the years. I still add tools occasionally.

The ABS scissors are inexpensive, but work really, really well.

One thing not shown above is a good set of tweezers. You can find heavy medical tweezers on ebay. Get the ones with serrated tips. 8 to 10 inches long, the heavier the better.

 

[Beetleman72]

http://www.dallasbonsai.com/japanese-bonsai-tools-s/1817.htm

 

[jkd2572]

Thanks for the tweezer tip. Just bought a pair off eBay for $8.00. Free shipping. I paid $30 for the "bonsai tweezers" I currently have.

 

[Poink88]

If I have to start over, my bonsai tool lineup (from most important) will be:

1. A good Japanese 8" concave cutter (around $70 regular value) but can be had for a lot less used.
2. Cheap but good quality long handled pointy scissors ($12)
3. Chopstick/skewer (free)
4. Used toothbrush (free)
5. Regular/household long nose pliers ($2)

If budget permits...I'll get these too.

6. A knob cutter similar to #1. ($70)
7. Cheap (even Chinese) bonsai wire cutter ($17)
8. Used "real" dental pick set ($8)
9. Japanese bonsai saw ($17) - I love the one from Stone Lantern.

 

[GrimLore]

Lithium Power tools. Saws, Cutters, Grinders. Decent Chain Saw, Heavy Duty Spades, and Pry bars. Everything else you can get at Sears in the electrical Dept where they have the SMALL tools...

 

[jkd2572]

Don't forget one of these to move around super heavy trees one of the best bonsai tools I ever bought. Got mine at Home Depot. $50.

I started off with the Joshua Roth brand of tools. Well made mid price range tools.

 

[pmalelis]

Mike, i actually have those wire cutters that you posted. Http://m.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-8-in-High-Leverage-Diagonal-Cutting-Pliers-D228-8/100020319 . I also have these shears http://m.homedepot.com/p/Fiskars-1-7-8-Inch-Micro-tip-Pruning-Snip-99216966J/100025012 . If I buy a decent set of japanese concave cutters ,even if used, would that be a decent start to build a set from or should I really get other shears.

 

[pmalelis]

Bonsai saw

I found this Marples Japanese pull saw at work for only 13 bucks. It cuts on the pull stroke and has a great quality blade. It is even made in japan. What do you folks think? Good Bonsai Saw?

 

[Poink88]

I found this Marples Japanese pull saw at work for only 13 bucks. It cuts on the pull stroke and has a great quality blade. It is even made in japan. What do you folks think? Good Bonsai Saw?
View attachment 39942

I'd suggest you get this instead. http://www.stonelantern.com/Bonsai_Saw_p/td8196.htm

I love mine so much, I plan on getting 2 more as backup. (yeah I am a tool hoarder)

 

[jkd2572]

I have the one Dario is referring to as well. Works nice in tight spaces. It's also long so you have to be careful you are only cutting off the intended branch. Seriously I cut through another branch at the same time.

 

[Victrinia Ridgeway]

I know that making this suggestion is enough to get shot... but really.... I don't own or use a concave cutter. I get a perpetual chuckle over the fact that it's the first thing most people reach for, and for me and mine, it's the last.

I think you'll find what tools work best for you in time, and shoot, it may even include concave cutters... but for me the most important things are my shears. I have several sizes and lengths, depending on what I'm working on. And Jinning pliers. Those are probably what I've dropped the most money on really. Really great bonsai pliers are an important investment.

Kindly,

Victrinia

 

[Victrinia Ridgeway]

Masakuni Pliers



I have a pair of the longer handled versions of these... the weight of them, and the control they offer is sublime. A+!

V

 

[Smoke]

This is my most used tool.

 

[Poink88]

I know that making this suggestion is enough to get shot... but really.... I don't own or use a concave cutter. I get a perpetual chuckle over the fact that it's the first thing most people reach for, and for me and mine, it's the last.

I think you'll find what tools work best for you in time, and shoot, it may even include concave cutters... but for me the most important things are my shears. I have several sizes and lengths, depending on what I'm working on. And Jinning pliers. Those are probably what I've dropped the most money on really. Really great bonsai pliers are an important investment.

Kindly,

Victrinia

Vi, It is whatever works for you best, could be true to the OP or not. We can only give suggestions and the OP should take it from there. IIRC, BVF uses his knob cutter more and also do not use concave cutter as much. Ask Dan and he will probably say his Makita die grinder.

 

[Victrinia Ridgeway]

My dear Dario....

Are we talking about your BVDs? Cuz I have no idea what some of that meant. lol

hugs,

V