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Let us be the first to offer our congratulations. You are officially
one of us - a bonsai enthusiast. And if you're anything like
us when we first started, you probably have your bonsai, and the
pot and soil that came with it ... and not much else.
That's why the Bonsai Outlet is here to help. We realize that
the bonsai world can be intimidating, especially when you're new.
To make it easy for you, we've created a brief list of the tools
every bonsai owner should have (below).
The Bonsai Outlet also offers a packaged set of the 7
tools every bonsai enthusiast should own.
Tools every bonsai enthusiast should own
Pruning shears. These should be the very first tool you buy.
As your tree grows long shoots, you'll need to trim them ... and
pruning shears are the right tool for the job.
Pruning shears are so effective because they can reach areas that
household scissors just can't. Plus, pruning shears cut cleanly
and do not crush delicate twigs and shoots.
Concave cutters. The concave
cutter is also a very important bonsai
tool, and one for which there is no substitute. These razor sharp
tools are designed to cut branches flush to the trunk in a way
that promotes fast and smooth healing with very little scarring.
The concave depression allows the cut to callous over without creating
an undesired bump on the trunk.
Tip: Typically, an 8-inch
concave cutter is perfect for cutting
branches 1- to 11/2 inches in diameter or smaller.
Knob cutter. The knob cutter is also a valuable addition to the
bonsai tool kit. The cutting blades of the knob cutter are shaped
like two halves of a sphere, a shape that allow the tool to bite
into wood aggressively. The knob cutter can remove a lot of wood
quickly while still precisely enough to shape the final surface
cut on the trunk or branch.
Root hook. When you get ready to transplant your tree (see related
article, "Repotting your
Bonsai") you will need a good
root hook to help loosen soil and comb out roots. This tool is
also good for roughing up compact soil for aeration
Root rake. A good root
rake is extremely effective for removing
soil around the bonsai roots and stirring up soil for aeration
or weeding. Plus, a symmetrical spatula helps tamp soil around
the base of the bonsai or free up soil at the edge of a pot when
transplanting bonsai.
Wire cutters. Don't make the mistake of using hardware store wire
cutters as you train your bonsai because they can damage the trunk
or limb of your tree. Specially designed with a rounded head and
jaws that cut wire symmetrically, these are the best
wire cutters to avoid damaging your bonsai.
Training wire. The purpose of training
wire is to change the direction
or shape of that part of the tree. The wire is wrapped and then
the trunk or branch is gently bent to the desired shape or position.
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