Proper Tool Maintenance

[GrimLore]

I see a lot of people recommending 3 in 1 oil for cleaning tools, and it's supposed to be great at getting the sap off of my tools after pruning ficus.

We clean after Ficus work with 91 percent Isopropyl, it really cuts the sap fast and dries quick. 3 in1 is a brand we use afterwards to lubricate and protect, available at a lot of stores https://www.walmart.com/ip/3-IN-ONE...93696&wl11=online&wl12=50462968&wl13=&veh=sem

Grimmy

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I use Crean Mate to clean off sap; (its like a gritty eraser), then alcohol to sanitize, and gun oil to keep rust at bay.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I've been using 70 percent Isopropyl, as it's been said (earlier in this thread actually) that higher than that is unnecessary. However I'm finding my tools are still sorta a mess after pruning. The teeth of my saw that I use to prune branches typically has wood in it and it's difficult to clean.

While I have you all here, where do you all buy your wire? I'm in need of new wire of varying sizes but don't know of a great place to buy it from.


Thanks guys!

 

[Stickroot]

These are the only thing to use.
The Japanese have used them for 100s of years traditionally on all of there tools, bonsai or other.
The plastic container replaces the bamboo and holds the Camellia and has cotton scrubbing pad.
Why use anything else.

 

[Paradox]

Why use anything else.

Why pay more for some crap just because its Japanese?
Alcohol to clean and 3 in 1 oil to lubricate does the job more than adequately
For about $5 for 16 fluid oz of rubbing alcohol and a small can of oil, I can clean my tools for years

@Redwood Ryan

I buy my copper wire from Julian Adams (Adams Bonsai) and aluminum from Stone Lantern or Bonsai outlet, whichever is cheaper/on sale

 

[Stickroot]

Why pay more for some crap just because its Japanese?
Alcohol to clean and 3 in 1 oil to lubricate does the job more than adequately
For about $5 for 16 fluid oz of rubbing alcohol and a small can of oil, I can clean my tools for years

@Redwood Ryan

I buy my copper wire from Julian Adams (Adams Bonsai) and aluminum from Stone Lantern or Bonsai outlet, whichever is cheaper/on sale

I use it because my grandfather used it.
Owning a machine shop and being around metal and machinists my whole life I know my preservatives, lubes and cleaners of materials fairly well.
You have never used Camellia oil on anything. Correct?

Also you may check the prices on what I pictured, you will be surprised.

 

[Shima]

I do not use or recommend water on any tools.

Hear hear!

 

[Shima]

I see two votes for Lysol so far. A USDA plant pathologist told me that alcohol or clorox doesn't kill 100% of pathogens. He recommended a 50/50 mix of H20 and Lysol CONCENTRATE. I keep it in a small spray bottle and never use it.
For rust prevention and lubrication Corrosion X is hard to beat. Sold in fishing supply stores. I have black steel tools in a rainforest and no rust.

 

[Shima]

Then roll up in an old thick cloth soaked in baby oil for storage.
If need be you can just wipe them down with baby oil.

Really? Baby oil? How cute! At the beach we used to rub it all over for a great tan. Now were paying for it. White people. Go figure.

 

[Stickroot]

Soaking in Vinegar is a stupid old Japanese myth, but I do it. It actually removes rust! Which I really need because I work in the rain and on wet plants some times.
I'm so dumb

 

[Paradox]

I use it because my grandfather used it.
Owning a machine shop and being around metal and machinists my whole life I know my preservatives, lubes and cleaners of materials fairly well.
You have never used Camellia oil on anything. Correct?

Also you may check the prices on what I pictured, you will be surprised.

My family worked in factories with lots of large manufacturing machines that ran 24/7. They had to keep those machines running or the factory and they would lose money.
They didn't use Camellia oil on those machines to keep them running. We have a 800 HP diesel engine in our boat. We dont use Camellia oil to keep that running either.
Im sure what I and it seems like most people use works just as well and is more readily available.

A 3.4 oz bottle of Camellia oil from this vendor: is $15
https://www.japanwoodworker.com/products/camellia-oil-3-4oz

The cheapest I could find on Amazon was $11

I can get a hellvalot of 3 in 1 and alcohol for $11. Probably enough to last me 10 years.

Though I imagine if you have a machinist shop, you dont pay that much for it because you get a discount as a business.

I dont mean to start a fight but I just cant recommend people spend double when stuff that costs half or less and is more commonly available for people who arent machinists works just as well.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Hold on, what's the true difference between aluminum and copper wire? Is one just ready to use and the other you need to prepare?

I'll address the other comments on my next work break, thanks everyone!

 

[Paradox]

Hold on, what's the true difference between aluminum and copper wire? Is one just ready to use and the other you need to prepare?

I'll address the other comments on my next work break, thanks everyone!

If you buy the copper wire from Julian Adams or Jim Gremmel, there is nothing you need to do to it. You can just use it.

You use copper for conifers, aluminum for deciduous, ficus, azalea

 

[Redwood Ryan]

If you buy the copper wire from Julian Adams or Jim Gremmel, there is nothing you need to do to it. You can just use it.

You use copper for conifers, aluminum for deciduous, ficus, azalea

Ah got it.

Stone Lantern is on vacation, so I'll order from Bonsai Outlet.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

To

You use copper for conifers, aluminum for deciduous, ficus, azalea

To clarify, copper has more holding power per it's thickness, and when properly annealed, bends more easily at first and then sets into place after bending. Generally, conifers are the ones that require this extra holding power that copper provides.

 

[Anthony]

@Shima ,

eh, a little confused -------- were you upset over the idea of the baby oil ?
White people ?
I have never heard of baby oil for a sun tan ?
Chinese / English here, burn very badly, go to the beach before 8.30 a.m and after 4.30 p.m
sun goes down for us around 6.00 p.m give or take 30 minutes, as the year rolls.

Masakuni concaves smaller size, no rust, just baby oil / cloth , since 1980, if that helps.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Shima]

eh, a little confused -------- were you upset over the idea of the baby oil ?
White people ?

Upset? Not at all. I thought it funny. Was that offensive? If so I apologize. White people? Simply that burning the skin to look "cool" was a mistake. I have to keep reminding myself that subtleties don't work on the WWW.