Bonsai Tools, with Hong

Hong talks about bonsai tools, the essential tools and how to use them.
Recorded at the Kitchener-Waterloo Bonsai Society at the January 2015 meeting.

[@christophervandermeer182]

Cool video, great since I'm just starting out and sorting out what tools to buy first. Thanks for uploading.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+Chris Vandermeer Good luck Chris on your bonsai journey!

[@WanderingBobAK]

I like the fact that this Pro is just fine using ordinary cheap tools when appropriate. You just don't need to spend $100 on every single tool!

[@mebolusam9999]

I love your videos​! A plant tour video would be so awesome! Thank you!

[@johncloud8161]

Thanks Nigel and Hong

[@cesarsuarez2010]

Great video! So much good info here. Thank you!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, glad you enjoy them!

[@jeremiahshine]

I broke down and got started on a 20v (can upgrade to 80v) set of tools power tools. There was a display/demo sawzall for half price without a box so I nabbed it. Talk about a quality of life improver! The "turn a grinder into a chainsaw" adapter is on my bucket list.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Nice!

[@whollylostandgone]

Another great video sir, just got some cheapy amazon tools which I plan to slowly replace out with better tools.

[@rickstreeart2594]

I need to get the good hand carving tools. I use power dremmil but the hand work afterwords is what makes the carving pop!

[@drpjvarier]

Great video. Is the sharpening video available? That would be really helpful to a lot of us.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The sharpening video is coming, I thought it was going to be the last meeting, but it will be the third week in February.

[@deadeyeski]

will there be a sharpening video coming up? I need to get myself a pair of Felco pruners.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hong did talk about and demonstrate the sharpening of bonsai tools...but my video card got full shortly into it. I hope to get a video on sharpening bonsai tools soon.

[@AldoRetana]

Great video Nigel!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Aldo, the sharpening video will be coming sometime soon.

[@demacherius1]

is the sharpening video arledy up? I cant find it

[@asifyani6543]

Excellent....some great rules, some great tips. I actually do a few of your things.....thank you.

[@frankgerlach5059]

Very nice but next time how about moving your plants out from in front of the tools so we can see the tools The way you have it the bonsai although beautiful are keeping the tools hidden.

[@jugado219]

Where did he get those $16 cheer cutters from? Can I get the link please? Thank you.

[@sud6646]

ive seen teh white pair he was holding on eBay

[@jerezindraj6723]

The Bonsai Shears @ 18:40 which Bonsai Tool Brand is it?

[@himangshunath4486]

very helpful .

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hong tends to be very helpful!

[@Jefferdaughter]

Don't throw bonsai wire away! Aluminum or copper, recyle it. (Not the same thing as trying to reuse it- essentially impossible with copper, as it hardens after being bent around the branch.) A bonsai club could collect bits of wire from members and take it to a recycling center for a little cash to help the club.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think Hong re-heats his wire to keep it soft for re use.

[@Jefferdaughter]

That only works AFTER you get it off the branch. This is not a problem with aluminum, of course. I'm a fan of frugality, but cutting corners on wire does not strike me as the best place to economize...

[@Jefferdaughter]

BTW, I don't buy bonsai wire usually, but get used copper wire, or even new, strip it if it is coated (NOT by burning! Those super-toxic compounds created when burning plastic insulation off wire persist in the atmosphere) and anneal it myself.

[@leonhatton2029]

I also use hemostats for the really small trees small branches hemostats are really nice for getting in and working in tight places I use the pliers to but dr. hemostats

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, sounds like a good idea for the small trees or fine branches.

[@leonhatton2029]

Man u don't know how much that means to me coming for u your like my ideal I have learnt some much from your videos I'm still new bonsai I absolutely love your little mini Force's can weight until I can do something cool like that

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Leon Hatton Thank you and good luck in your bonsai adventures!

[@artao5]

One thing I don't really understand is the difference and uses of the various sizes of shears. Some long, some short. I assume there's specific reasons for that. Also, interesting that he didn't mention having a root rake.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Some of the long shears can reach in and prune branches and leaves deep in the interior of the tree, it's just a matter of finding the right tool that does a good job. I think Hong uses a root hook that he made himself.

[@Damturkey]

thank you. .greg

[@ukuleleatlantahollymunford246]

I'm excited! First Bonsai project. BLOE Spruce Juniper.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Be sure to keep it cool and dormant until spring!

[@smack09]

WOW NIGEL!.. 😉👌 Lookin good mate! 😁 Clean shaven and not as much ummm... Shall I say..... Greys! 😆 Stay safe!.. 😎

[@82anewme]

I really want to get started in this

[@TheBonsaiZone]

82anewme Awesome, start with an inexpensive tree or houseplant and slowly build up your skills. Expect a certain amount of failures as you learn. I seem to still be killing some of my trees!

[@DurandCompton]

Nigel Saunders Yup.

[@lanac2852]

Nigel Saunders

[@ukuleleatlantahollymunford246]

Question? Can these Bonsai live outdoors during winter freezing?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The hardy trees can. Many of the native trees to your area will survive the winters with a little protection from the wind.

[@jlf41462oats]

How and where can I get the 15 micron and 5 micron abrasive paper?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

These fine sandpapers are used for sanding down cars before painting. Check your local automotive parts supplier, they will likely have it. You can order it from here also.... www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=64715&cat=1

[@pablus_Cg]

Hi everyone! What kind of tree is the one on the right side?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think it is a bougainvillea.

[@pablus_Cg]

Thanks! It was kinda difficult to see the leaves' shape.

[@tomnguyen2209]

Camera set at wrong location.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sorry!

[@AfloatFob]

What are the trees, left to right?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think they are a Serissa, and English Ivy and a Bougainvillea.

[@AfloatFob]

Thank you! I've been wanting to get into bonsai and am just now starting (kinda). Your videos are very helpful.

[@ukuleleatlantahollymunford246]

Cute!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you!

[@ohnoagain2953]

Sharpening stainless steel tools? Nothing easier than that! With the help of my grinding machine, i made a knife out of a used blade of a circular saw that was used to cut metal. I dont think some stainless steel will be a problem! 😁 but for all of you that dont have a good grinding machine; try to sharpen your tools with a sharpening steel, that might work too!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Oh no Again!

[@jeremiahshine]

A few swipes on the strop to maintain. Voila. Grind chips out. Strop to maintain.

[@ukuleleatlantahollymunford246]

New idea! An underwater Bonsai !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have seen some of the underwater landscapes, a very cool hobby!

[@ukuleleatlantahollymunford246]

Should I prune at winter or wait till spring?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Spring is best if you have the time. I generally get really busy, so any work I can do before spring helps me out.

[@Oliver-pl5sk]

Where is the rake to comb the roots?!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'm sure Hong has one in his collection!

[@ukuleleatlantahollymunford246]

Bonsai friend! UKULELE ATLANTA HOLLY Captains Cove Golf and Yacht Club

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The Ukulele club has their meeting at the same time as our bonsai meeting, free music!

[@bhargavtank3784]

Plants put in front obstructed the view through out the video. ...🙄🙄

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks you, luckily Hong holds up the tools and you can see the one he is talking about.

[@bhargavtank3784]

@@TheBonsaiZone yes n I learned. TYSM

[@jeremiahshine]

Don't forget electrical tape!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, always handy!