TAKE THE COURSE!

Learn how to create and care for bonsai in Manitoba.

The Bonsai Society of Winnipeg presents an introductory course on Bonsai. More...

JOSHUA ROTH
BONSAI TOOLS

Joshua Roth tools, a wide range of superior Japanese Bonsai tools, are available to club members at very competitive prices.

There are four grades of tools from which to select the tools appropriate to your interest and needs:

Student/ Novice: Good quality, basic tools for beginners at fair prices.

Intermediate: A wider range of quality high carbon steel tools for the increased needs of more experienced enthusiasts.

Professional: This very wide range presents superior quality and life for the serious Bonsaiist without astronomical pricing.

Master: Our stainless steel grade is of the best quality available at any price. Rust free, easy clean-up, with the esthetic feel of fine surgical instruments - the ultimate in lifetime Bonsai tool.

If you are just starting the art of bonsai, we recommend the Intermediate range for value and quality.

Ordering Tools:

To make your tool
selection, go to:
www.joshuaroth.com,
then e-mail:
info@bonsaiwinnipeg.ca
with your order. You don't have to pay until you pick up the tools at a meeting or by special arrangement.

Bonsai Tools

Bonsai tools are specialized tools which have evolved over hundreds of years with the art of bonsai. Good quality tools are made of forged, high-carbon steel to hold a sharp edge and will provide a lifetime of service if used and cared for properly.

Tools used for Pruning:


Leaf Pruners are used to defoliate trees. Their spring loaded action makes it easy to cut off each leaf at its petiole (stem)	Shears come in various sizes and are used to cut everything from buds and leaves to stout branches and roots. Their long handles allow access to the interior of a tree without disturbing the outer branches. Light weight.	Shears: Medium weight

Shears: Heavy weight	Concave Cutters come in three sizes and are used to cut branches. The angled, concave blade leaves a clean, hollow cut which heals more easily and leaves less of a pruning scar.	Concave Cutters Detail

Knob Cutters or Spherical Cutters also come in three sizes and are used to cut branches at their base. These cutters leave a deep, hollow cut allowing the bark to heal with minimal pruning scar.	Knob Cutters Detail	Saws are convenient when branches are too thick for Concave Cutters. Japanese pruning saws cut on the pull stroke for better control.
(right) Root Cutters come in three sizes and are used primarily to cut tough, fibrous roots. (far right) Root Cutters Detail

Tools used for Wiring:

Pliers are used for bending and holding heavy wire when wiring branches. They can also be used to tear deadwood wood on branches when creating a jin.

Pliers Detail

Bonsai Wire, made from anodized aluminum, comes in eight different thicknesses, from 1 mm to 6 mm in diameter.

(right) Wire Cutters: small, medium and heavy are used to cut wire from 6mm to 1mm thick. Their special shape allows for the removal of wire from branches without damaging the bark or branch.

(far right) Wire Cutters Detail

Tools used for Potting:


Chopsticks are inexpensive and extremely useful in teasing away soil from the root ball. They are also used to auger soil in between roots when potting a tree so as to leave no air pockets or cavities.	Scythe: The scythe can be used to separate a root bound tree from its container. It can also be used to saw through roots, especially overgrown sod-like root pads.	Root Hook and Root Rake are also used to comb out roots. The spatula on the Root Rake can be used to tamp down soil or separate a root-bound tree from its container.

Soil Scoops are a convenient way of adding soil to the container when potting a tree. Their angled spout allow pouring the soil where needed without bumping into the trunk or branches.	Set of Sieves: Small (1/16” or 1.5 mm openings) Medium (1/8” or 3 mm openings Large (1/4 “ or 6 mm openings). These sieves are used to sift bark, quartzite and turface particles of varying sizes to achieve a consistent, coarse soil mix without the fine particles which can compromise the soil mix's porous- and free-draining properties.	Broom: Use the broom to level and brush away excess potting medium

Tools used for Carving:

Splitters, Pliers, Knives, Scrappers, Wire Brushes, Gouges, Electric Rotary Grinders
All these tools and more are used to carve deadwood when creating jin, shari, saba miki and driftwood.

Care and Maintenance of Bonsai Tools

• Examine your tools regularly.
• Don’t use tools for a purpose for which they were not designed.
• Never twist or turn a tools while it is being used.
• Try not to drop your tools on hard surfaces like concrete or stone.
• Don’t use your finely sharpened shears to cut roots that are in the soil. Particles of soil can dull and nick.
• Do not overload a tool. Instead make a series of smaller cuts or use a larger tool.
• Tools should be sharpened by a specialist.
• Clean your tools when finished. Alcohol or turpentine will remove sap.
• Apply a light coating of oil to surfaces and pivot point.
• Store in a dry, clean place where they will not be damaged by contact with each other or other objects.