Non Bonsai tools and stuff for Bonsai

[Frozentreehugger]

This is my oyster fork root rake. Free with an order to-go.
View attachment 475428

I have made several single point root hooks . Normally from a screwdriver type tool . Shape the end into a dull point . Next step requires a oxy/Ac ( welding or mechanics ) torch and a vice . But easy to get someone to do it . Clamp the shaft in vice at point you want the bend heat a small area cherry red hot and it will bend by hand . My fav is My largest . Was a T handle driver . The bent tip is longer about 2.5 inches . Than most purchased ones . It is also larger in diameter than most . Many people at workshops . Marvel at it . It’s key attributes are sturdy T handle offers easy control . The longer tip is great for going deep into a rootball . The larger diameter is actually more sensitive to not rip roots as they don’t catch or pull as easy . It’s a go to tool for wild collected trees and nursery trees . Especially larger ones . I would post a pic but it’s currently in the work shop with entrance buried in snow

 

[ShadyStump]

I don’t get the idea . Not a tropical guy so don’t have trees with aerial roots . Is the idea to create a passage way from branch to the pot to encourage roots to form

That's exactly it. Or if an aerial root starts on it's own, you can protect it and encourage it until it reaches the pot.
In some climates you don't need anything, but in others aerial roots - on ficus generally, but there are also others - need to be encouraged artificially, or outright forced.

 

[JackHammer]

I don’t get the idea . Not a tropical guy so don’t have trees with aerial roots . Is the idea to create a passage way from branch to the pot to encourage roots to form

This is basically an aerial root contraption for tropicals. Once established, snip the wire and the moss falls away. You would place the tube perpendicular on the branch so that the target branch is covered by moss.

 

[Maiden69]

Aerial root 'straw' from garden hose.

View attachment 475429

You are over thinking it... a thick straw split down the middle works better, no need to wire, add sphagnum or anything else. Aerial roots are "design" to go the distance and reach the soil, the only thing preventing them is dry air. Enclose them in a straw and they will not dry out, plus the straw will draw moisture from the soil as temps rise during the day and then condense the water at night... perfect environment for the roots.

 

[JackHammer]

You are over thinking it... a thick straw split down the middle works better, no need to wire, add sphagnum or anything else. Aerial roots are "design" to go the distance and reach the soil, the only thing preventing them is dry air. Enclose them in a straw and they will not dry out, plus the straw will draw moisture from the soil as temps rise during the day and then condense the water at night... perfect environment for the roots.

I don't have any straws around. But I do have garden hose!
I have had difficulty getting them to take without additional intervention.

 

[Frozentreehugger]

You are over thinking it... a thick straw split down the middle works better, no need to wire, add sphagnum or anything else. Aerial roots are "design" to go the distance and reach the soil, the only thing preventing them is dry air. Enclose them in a straw and they will not dry out, plus the straw will draw moisture from the soil as temps rise during the day and then condense the water at night... perfect environment for the roots.

Trees are so fascinating. I understand only a few species . Aerial root . And there natural
Moist warm environment has a lot to do with it . But I always look at stuff like this and go why . What in evolution started it . Are the trees originally absorbing nutrition and water from the air . And eventually reach the ground . Is the tree trying to short circuit the distance from leaf to root . One would think the norm is like other trees just spread your roots farther . If the soil is lacking . Or is it like a tree that air layers a branch that comes in contact with soil . Just taking advantage of a opurtunity

 

[Maiden69]

Trees are so fascinating. I understand only a few species . Aerial root . And there natural
Moist warm environment has a lot to do with it . But I always look at stuff like this and go why . What in evolution started it . Are the trees originally absorbing nutrition and water from the air . And eventually reach the ground . Is the tree trying to short circuit the distance from leaf to root . One would think the norm is like other trees just spread your roots farther . If the soil is lacking . Or is it like a tree that air layers a branch that comes in contact with soil . Just taking advantage of a opurtunity

That's how they spread, they are somewhat like parasites. They germinate inside hosts trees, then slowly reach the grown with the aerial roots and then take over. The biggest ficus tree is almost 3.5 acres big.

Banyan - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The largest banyan tree in the world is located in India

The 250-year-old Great Banyan near Kolkata spans an area of 3.5 acres and is one of the notable trees of our planet

www.cntraveller.in

 

[Frozentreehugger]

That's how they spread, they are somewhat like parasites. They germinate inside hosts trees, then slowly reach the grown with the aerial roots and then take over. The biggest ficus tree is almost 3.5 acres big.

Banyan - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The largest banyan tree in the world is located in India

The 250-year-old Great Banyan near Kolkata spans an area of 3.5 acres and is one of the notable trees of our planet

www.cntraveller.in

Makes perfect sense . Having never seen there natural environment in person , I would not assume that . Like I said just another example of adapting to
A environment ,

 

[Newish in Oregon]

"Everybody" may already know but...I'd been using pliers to tighten guy wires and found it tedious. Much easier for me using vise grips.

 

[Frozentreehugger]

"Everybody" may already know but...I'd been using pliers to tighten guy wires and found it tedious. Much easier for me using vise grips.

As a life long gear head . Have to agree the locking pliers . Are something you can’t go without . And it’s great in this copy cat world . That hands down the best ones still have the words vise grip stamped into the side

 

[Frozentreehugger]

In keeping with the source stuff you can get . I’m looking at the bar bonsai screw Jack . Looks real handy . And a quality woodworking bar clamp . Looks to be the identical tool
. Except for the larger and often soft . Tips not exactly a bad thing .

 

[JackHammer]

In keeping with the source stuff you can get . I’m looking at the bar bonsai screw Jack . Looks real handy . And a quality woodworking bar clamp . Looks to be the identical tool
. Except for the larger and often soft . Tips not exactly a bad thing .

What's that? Like a wood clamp? I like wood clamps but they might be a little big..

 

[GroovyGreg]

Amazing the price difference of things labeled “bonsai” and their non-bonsai counterparts

 

[flor1]

Iron workers pliers cut any wire or use to twist wire think rebar tie wire.

 

[Frozentreehugger]

Do tou

Iron workers pliers cut any wire or use to twist wire think rebar tie wire.

Do you have a pic

 

[ralfish]

Do tou

Do you have a pic

It. Would be.

Something. Like these

https://www.ironworkerstool.com/v/vspfiles/photos/Channel%20Lock%20350S-2.jpg

 

[JackHammer]

I picked up some wire twisting pliers - harbor freight has some inexpensive ones. They have been good for tasks like guy wires or putting wire into a new pot.

I took some saran wrap, cut it in 2 inch sections and it works just like grafting tape. 10/10. Use a bench vise to hold the roll and then cut it with a small tooth saw, a hacksaw(metal) worked best for me. If it gets too hot, it will melt and fuse the plastic then mess up your roll, so go slow. I also tried with a large knife and a razor blade and while that worked, it was fairly dangerous so I would recommend a saw. And now I am using grafting tape for everything.

 

[Frozentreehugger]

I picked up some wire twisting pliers - harbor freight has some inexpensive ones. They have been good for tasks like guy wires or putting wire into a new pot.

I took some saran wrap, cut it in 2 inch sections and it works just like grafting tape. 10/10. Use a bench vise to hold the roll and then cut it with a small tooth saw, a hacksaw(metal) worked best for me. If it gets too hot, it will melt and fuse the plastic then mess up your roll, so go slow. I also tried with a large knife and a razor blade and while that worked, it was fairly dangerous so I would recommend a saw. And now I am using grafting tape for everything.

The wire twisting pliers bring back memories. There a old school invention for securing . Bolts and nuts on racing vehicles . Idea is you drill a small hole thru the side of a bolt head run a wire thru it . And secure the wire to another point or another bolt nearby . Twisting the wire between the 2 points . Goal is if vibration loosens the bolt it will not fall out . Fine bolt wiring job can be still admired . ( like quality bonsai wiring ) . Often seen on restored race cars and motorcycles. If you look with that in mind you should be able to source . Quality stainless wire for there use , the cling wrap idea is brilliant. I have been wanting to try something similar. Using a small roll of packaging wrap . That I acquired. Originally thinking for securing roots around rocks . Think of the stuff you see securing products to pallets . It’s thicker and sticks primarily to itself

 

[JackHammer]

The wire twisting pliers bring back memories. There a old school invention for securing . Bolts and nuts on racing vehicles . Idea is you drill a small hole thru the side of a bolt head run a wire thru it . And secure the wire to another point or another bolt nearby . Twisting the wire between the 2 points . Goal is if vibration loosens the bolt it will not fall out . Fine bolt wiring job can be still admired . ( like quality bonsai wiring ) . Often seen on restored race cars and motorcycles. If you look with that in mind you should be able to source . Quality stainless wire for there use , the cling wrap idea is brilliant. I have been wanting to try something similar. Using a small roll of packaging wrap . That I acquired. Originally thinking for securing roots around rocks . Think of the stuff you see securing products to pallets . It’s thicker and sticks primarily to itself

The wire is great. Not bonsai wire but stainless and great for a lot of things. I have been doing lots of exposed root trees and just wrapping the roots with saran and dropping them on new soil. Old soil washes away and you get more roots.

 

[ShadyStump]

The wire twisting pliers bring back memories. There a old school invention for securing . Bolts and nuts on racing vehicles . Idea is you drill a small hole thru the side of a bolt head run a wire thru it . And secure the wire to another point or another bolt nearby . Twisting the wire between the 2 points . Goal is if vibration loosens the bolt it will not fall out . Fine bolt wiring job can be still admired . ( like quality bonsai wiring ) . Often seen on restored race cars and motorcycles. If you look with that in mind you should be able to source . Quality stainless wire for there use , the cling wrap idea is brilliant. I have been wanting to try something similar. Using a small roll of packaging wrap . That I acquired. Originally thinking for securing roots around rocks . Think of the stuff you see securing products to pallets . It’s thicker and sticks primarily to itself

Around here you can find fencing pliers with wire twisters built into the handle. That's what I'm familiar with.
Given the gauges of wire those are intended for, it never occurred to my they might be useful for something as delicate as bonsai can be.