Francios Jeker‘s finger and dremel power carving tool. From Bonsai Today 105 (still available).
It didn’t used to be this way
Have you noticed how almost everybody carves deadwood these day? It wasn’t always the case. I just thumbed through Kyuzo Murata‘s classic Four Seasons of Bonsai (first edition 1991 and long out of print) and could find only 3 or 4 bonsai that had some carving (out of over 100 trees). The same goes if you look back through other older bonsai publications.
New horizons
Even though it’s overused, carving opens up whole new horizons for us bonsai hackers, so that’s a good thing. The problem is, many of us go ahead and carve without knowing much about it. This ignorance puts our trees at risk in at least two ways: health and beauty (a hack job is worse than no carving at all). My suggestion: pay attention to people like Cheng, Cheng-Kung and Francios Jeker, start with hand tools, and take your time.
Western deadwood maven
A long time ago I promised you some more photos of Francois Jeker’s carving from Bonsai Today issues 103, 104 & 105 (unfortunately the printer shorted us on 103 and 104, so they are long gone). Thank you for your patience (not that a single one of you remembers). BTW: our post on natural aging (below) by Francois is particularly enlightening.
Francois hand and a simple hand carving tool. From Bonsai Today issue 105.
Francois Jeker’s illustrations on natural aging of deadwood. Originally from Bonsai Today issue 103 and later featured here.
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Lately, I notice some artists finishing their woodworking by sand-blasting, yet, there are few willing to share specifics; brands & model #s of blasters, compressor stats, grits, etc… I for one, would love a demonstration or workshop using said equipment.
Hi Michael,
I don’t know anything about sandblasting bonsai deadwood. Though I did load sandblasting pots for a industrial paint company when I was in college. Hefting 100lb bags all day long in the hot California sun (but I digress).
Michael, sand blasting process is very good for deciduous tree because we cannot do much by fibre-carving technique as to junipers. By sand blasting, we can carve out the soft wood to obtain very natural texture, but this technique is quite complicated in practice although the the basic equipment is quite simple.
It uses normal air compressor with nozzle gun to carve, but you need special room and full-covered cloth and mask because of the blowing sands. You should also adjust to find out the best pressurre for different woods.
And, that being true, I would still love an article or national demo on sandblasting technique.
Thanks Robert,
Wouldn’t it be best to sand blast outside?
Zack,
Yes. I’d like to see something too and would be happen include it in Bark.