Carved my raffle won Live Oak

[Poink88]

Today the temps are in low 70s with the sun shinning fully. Wife is working with my daughter to finish her homework and projects so have some free time all for myself .

Got the Makita die grinder out and the Dremel and worked on my Live Oak (raffle won). Not a bad work for less than an hour of carving IMHO. Though there were deadwood to begin with, the wood is still hard though softer on some areas. It did help make the work go a bit faster.

Original as raffled...

After it got home, some root work and chopping...

The result after 40 minutes...

 

[Poink88]

Now, it is up to mother nature to refine it. I plan on sealing and applying wood hardener after a year.

 

[ironman]

Nice...
I donated that tree and wondered what happened to it...

 

[Poink88]

Nice...
I donated that tree and wondered what happened to it...

WOW!!! That is great! I wanted to know who donated it but Joey (Chair) was too busy. I was going to email him but no need now. You must have donated a few since I saw similar ones raffled after. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I hope you are not shocked by what I did to it....it is throwing buds all over now.

 

[rockm]

FWIW, I have not used sealer or minwax wood hardener on the dead wood on my live oak. The wood is so dense it doesn't really require it.

 

[Poink88]

FWIW, I have not used sealer or minwax wood hardener on the dead wood on my live oak. The wood is so dense it doesn't really require it.

Rockm,

I worked with wood for decades now and I know that all of them will rot eventually. Yes some faster than others, but if I can help my deadwood to stay longer on my bonsai by applying hardener on it, I will.

I will be using PC Petrifier now (ordered but not here yet) and decided to stop using Minwax wood hardener.

 

[rockm]

Whatever dude. I've worked with live oak bonsai for a long time. Doesn't make me a woodworker.

 

[Poink88]

Whatever dude. I've worked with live oak bonsai for a long time. Doesn't make me a woodworker.

Almost every thing when exposed to weather deteriorates...even granite decomposed over time. There are thousands of Live Oak standing here that shows how they rot so do as you would on your trees.

I would concede that if you want nature to take care of it, that is a good way too (probably much better than anyone can do actually). Even with the use of wood hardener, it is inevitable...I am just prolonging it.

 

[rockm]

For all the "outside the box" thinking you tell us you do, you sure turn traditional very quickly .

I'd have you pegged for this technique:
http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t11571-aging-deadwood-with-winter-in-a-can

And this one is becoming traditional for species with long-lasting wood:

http://yamadoriforsale.com/tag/blow-torch/

Also, since you're in a target zone--I don't know if you're aware of this:
http://www.stopoakwilt.com/oakwilt.html

Mainly transmitted by root contact, BUT there is evidence that it can jump airborne via insects and into tree pruning wounds...The official advice is to put off pruning between Feb. to June.
http://texasoakwilt.org/oakwilt/oak-wilt-management/

 

[Poink88]

For all the "outside the box" thinking you tell us you do, you sure turn traditional very quickly .

Hey, I did not say thinking out of the box means going stupid did I?

I'd have you pegged for this technique:
http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t11571-aging-deadwood-with-winter-in-a-can

I've read that post and believe it should work very well. I am just not too eager to give it a go yet. Have to buy the supplies (freeze can) first too.

Just checked the thread. I posted on it on 9/29/2012 10:31 pm (first post 2nd page).

And this one is becoming traditional for species with long-lasting wood:

http://yamadoriforsale.com/tag/blow-torch/

Did not see the link (seem broken) but I know about burning and changing wood to charcoal (carbon) to resist decay. I have the equipment (torch bought couple of months ago) but did not try it yet. Maybe I should to clean it up also.

Also, since you're in a target zone--I don't know if you're aware of this:
http://www.stopoakwilt.com/oakwilt.html

Mainly transmitted by root contact, BUT there is evidence that it can jump airborne via insects and into tree pruning wounds...The official advice is to put off pruning between Feb. to June.
http://texasoakwilt.org/oakwilt/oak-wilt-management/

Thanks! I am very aware of it but honestly didn't think about it bonsai wise until now (thanks again). IIRC, it is the sap that attracts the bug that spreads it so I should be fine since I seal the wounds.

 

[Poink88]

Nice new growth since I chopped it...

View attachment 35894

 

[Beng]

Don't you have to wait till the wood begins to rot to use of petridifier? Did you use it yet, if so how do you like it, did it change the color of the wood?

 

[Poink88]

Don't you have to wait till the wood begins to rot to use of petridifier? Did you use it yet, if so how do you like it, did it change the color of the wood?

I haven't applied the PC Petrifier yet...that is just my home brew coloring that failed to create the effect I am after. As you said, I am waiting for mother nature to put the finishing touches before I apply it. Maybe next year.

 

[Poink88]

Update pic. Not bad branching for a few months growth. Should be ready for some wire this fall.

View attachment 39089

 

[Poink88]

Today is my 2nd year bonsai anniversary and decided to post a few updates for some of my trees in training. (hope you don't mind)

 

[Cadillactaste]

What is the reasoning behind the clear plastic at the top of the pot?

 

[Poink88]

What is the reasoning behind the clear plastic at the top of the pot?

I didn't want to repot and it came in a shallower pot than I prefer so I made a sleeve to extend it up to put some soil cover over the roots. Soil will spill over when I water otherwise.

 

[Smoke]

Today is my 2nd year bonsai anniversary and decided to post a few updates for some of my trees in training. (hope you don't mind)

Archimedes would be proud.....

 

[Poink88]

Archimedes would be proud.....

Thanks...I guess. Too cryptic for me know what you really mean so I try to find the best possible interpretation.

 

[woodguy]

Thanks...I guess. Too cryptic for me know what you really mean so I try to find the best possible interpretation.

The screws...