Need suggestions on tools

[Paradox]

I'm looking for something that can be used to cut large branches and trunks. Earlier this year, I tried to cut a branch off a trunk, trying to angle the cut to produce taper rather than an abrupt cut.

I tried using a dremel tool with a cutting disk and went through the disks faster than I was going through the branch/trunk. So I need to find a cutting/grindin tool big enough for the job but small enough to handle easily.

Suggestions on what people use for this?

Thanks

 

[Poink88]

I can cut almost anything with a simple pruning saw but for smaller ones...just a concave cutter. Then clean it up with a knob cutter or a Dremel.

If you want a power tool...Sawzall but if you also want to carve, get a die grinder.

 

[Paradox]

When you split that big boxwood. You used a pruning saw???

 

[Poink88]

When you split that big boxwood. You used a pruning saw???

Not sure which one you are referring to but I can't recall splitting any boxwood. Please post a link if you have it so I can answer you better. But cutting of all my collected trees are mostly by the concave cutter. If it is too big, the lopper moves in. Bigger yet, the pruning saw takes care of it.

The sawzall is only used to cut roots while collecting.

 

[Paradox]

I was referring to this one:
http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?9450-Project-re-design

Maybe its the angle but it looked like you had cut off a large part of the trunk when you reduced it?

 

[Poink88]

Nope the trunk was not touched at all. I just chopped/removed 2 branches using my concave cutter. Jinned one and cleaned up a few branches. It was not that drastic...just seemed like.

I did remove a few big branches from my other boxwood using a pruning saw...leaving an estimated 2" x 2.5" scar and I just blended it in using a knob cutter. I'll try to snap a few pics tonight and post if I get the time (and remember).

BUT the short answer is yes, you can cut big stuff with a pruning saw.

 

[Dav4]

FWIW, I've seen several bonsai professionals who prefer using saws for removing most branches, even those only pencil thick...much more accurate and clean cut results typically.

 

[Poink88]

BTW, the only limiting factor for the saw is accessibility (I know you know that just pointing it out).

In one instance, I cannot access a very tight space and lazy to break out the grinder...I decided to just use my drill (which was handy at the time) and drilled successive holes and snapped it. LOL...sometimes you just have to be "creative".

 

[Poink88]

FWIW, I've seen several bonsai professionals who prefer using saws for removing most branches, even those only pencil thick...much more accurate and clean cut results typically.

Agreed...also less bark damage or separation between cambium layer which can be peeled or crushed when using dull cutters.

 

[Stan Kengai]

Use a pruning saw, then clean up with a Dremel if needed. I use this pruning saw made by Fiskars. For lack of a better term, it's a "folding" saw where the blade slides into the handle (easy to carry on collecting trips). The saw is about 8 years old, and it is still extremely sharp and flies through the hardest wood (hornbeam and hickory). I can't recommend it enough.

 

[Poink88]

As promised...a shot of a boxwood chop(s)
View attachment 28262

 

[jk_lewis]

For simple cuts of trunks or large branches (1-3 inches), nothing beats a Felco by-pass pruner. The cuts are extremely clean with no ragged edges such as a saw -- even a sharp one -- leaves behind.

Imitation, rip-off bypass pruners are NOT the same.

Smaller branches (under an inch) are OK for a concave cutter. Otherwise, you risk breakage -- especially with hardwoods.

 

[JudyB]

^^^ +1 on the Felco's.

 

[Poink88]

Don't own (can't afford) a Felco but extremely happy with This Fiskars Lopper

I own the shorter version and a similar sized lower grade one for collecting. Both cut through green wood extremely easily. With really hard and dry wood...use a saw.