A power rotary tool (Dremel brand) with a steel wire brush attachment in the skilled hands of François Jeker. From Bonsai Today issue 104 (out of print).
The use of carving tools in bonsai
In bonsai carving tools are used to create new deadwoood and enhance existing deadwood. There was a day not too long ago when all carving was done by hand. Recently, all that has changed and more and more bonsai artists are using power tools. And not just small rotary tools, but even things like chainsaws and specially designed grinders.
Just scratching the surface (so to speak)
In this post we’ll show a few power tools being used on bonsai, without going into too much detail. Just to give you an idea of what’s out there. Later, we’ll explore some of the tools and their uses in more detail.
The hands are Michael Persiano’s and the tool is a Foredom power carving tool, Michael’s favorite. Below: Foredom hand pieces. The long one on the left has a flexible shaft. Photos are from Bonsai Today issue 99.
Masahiko Kimura’s famous custom made chainsaw (or at least, one of them) in the hands of the Master. From The Bonsai Art of Kimura (out of print), Stone Lantern Publishing.
Another of Kimura’s custom made tools with a small rotary blade. The little grinder below is also custom made. Both photos are from The Magician, The Bonsai Art of Kimura 2. Stone Lantern Publishing.
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One Comment
Thanks for posting this up, I was just trying to decide which dremel head to use to refine a shari line that showed too much of the knife.
I am using one of the dremel grinder stones, edge on, to do what Kimura is doing with his custom mini-grinder there.
Super article, supe site for education, THANKS!