Bonsai Tools, Choosing the right bonsai tools

Following is a list of the tools you will need to begin your new hobby. I would suggest starting with beginner quality tools. I actually started with “hand me down” tools and purchased a couple good used tools. You will also want to familiarize yourself with how to care for your bonsai tools.

Obviously, if you have already started styling bonsai plants and plan to continue then I suggest you buy the best tools you can afford and treat them like the were all master quality tools. Take your time and learn to style you bonsai right.

Remember, “Cheap tools in the hands of a master still create show quality bonsai. Master quality tools in the hands of the novice are just pliers. . . the tools do not make the master”

Bonsai tools you must have

Trimming Shears - Trimming shears are the most commonly used and thus most important tool in your arsenal. They are used throughout the year to trim leaf, twig and small live branches. Quality trimming shears come in two sizes. Use your fine trimming shears for branches up to ¼” and general trimming shears for larger branches to 3/8.” Never use your trimming shears to trim dead wood.

Branch Cutters - As the name implies these are mainly used for cutting branches and thicker roots. Hint; If they have to be opened so wide that you need two hands then the branch is too thick, use a bigger pair of branch cutters or a folding saw.

Knob Cutters - After the branch is cut off with branch cutters a knob cutter is used to make the final cut. Knob cutters have a rounded blade that cuts away a little of the trunk forming a small hollow. The hollow makes it easier for the plant to callus over. Be sure to use a quality cut paste before you put the plant back on the bench.

Needle Tweezers - A good pair of quality tweezers will cost $25 - $50 and are worth every penny. Master quality with titanium tips can go as high as $150. Needle tweezers are used to pull the old needles from your pine tree bonsai and remove dead leaves and pulling weeds. Good needle tweezers have grip points on the tips to give you a secure hold. I like the angled type with a spring but they are also available in a straight model.

Wire Cutters – Small straight pointed wire cutters are used to cut copper or aluminum bonsai wire after wiring the branches. They have a nice point got getting close to the trunk and can also be helpful in the removal of old wire. Quality wire cutters can handle most wire up to 6mm. You can also use a standard pair of wire cutters from your tool box and save the dollars to but towards a higher quality pair of shears or branch cutters.

Folding Saw - The Folding Saw is used for cutting or removing branches thought to be too thick for Branch cutters. The teeth are very fine so scaring is kept to a minimum. It is also useful on collecting trips as it folds away.

Cut Paste – Last but not least on the must have list is not really a tool but it is just as important., cut paste. Always use some type of cut paste on cuts over 1/8 inch. This will help ensure the branch does not dry out. It also helps to keep fungus and bugs from getting into the heart of the tree. Cut paste is available in a number of types, them most common is Kiyonal.

Bonsai tools for making “Dead wood”

Jinning Pliers - Jinning pliers are a nice addition to the tool arsenal. They can help strip the bark from the proposed jin areas and come in handy during the wiring process. I often time use a standard pair of 6” needle nose pliers in place of the jinning pliers again saving money to use in other places.

Jinning knife - A decent set of jinning knives consist of three different knives. They are usually made from stamped stainless steel and are very sharp so be careful. My knife set cost about $25, and consist of a ½” straight chisel point, straight 1” knife blade and a 1” long, 90 degree sickle type blade that you pull instead of push.

Master tip: Don’t forget to wire your fresh jined branches in a direction that complements the plants design. Leave the wire on a couple of weeks or until you are sure the branch is completely dry and will stay in place when the wire is removed.

Bonsai tools that make the job easier

Turntable – Number one on my list of must have extras is a turntable with stop. A cheap wood turntable can be found for under $20 or you can make one for even less if you are handy. A turntable with a stop wedge is used during trimming and styling and will make a world of difference.

Branch jacks – If you work with bigger junipers and pines you will want to invest in a few branch jacks. These are used to bend branches that are just to big for wire and will come in handy.

Wood Angle blocks – A set of hardwood angle blocks is a good extra to have laying around. They are used mostly during the evaluation process to judge a new planting or display angle.

Masters tip: Changing the angle of planting only a few degrees can give your plant a whole new life. Use the blocks to check many different angles before deciding on the best.

Root Hook - A Root Hook is used when re-potting to tease out the root ball.

Chop Sticks – That’s right, Chinese food type chop sticks. I have a nice pair of Ivory chop sticks that a friend gave me that I use to bush soil down into the roots during repotting. I also keep a good supply of cheap fast food sticks to mark proposed fronts so I remember when it comes time to replant.

Bonsai soil sifting screens – I use the set that you see available from most bonsai websites for about $20. They work fine for separating the different sizes of rock and removing any unwanted medium from your mix.

That’s it, of coarse you still need about 6 different sizes of aluminum or copper wire and some raffia to get started but this list does cover the basics. It’s not a complete list by any means, I know bonsai artist that have 3 times this many bonsai tools and are looking for more but they very seldom use most of them.

If you having any tool tips you would like to share please visit our Bonsai Artist forum or e-mail me.