California juniper first wiring #2

[Ris]

Couldn't make it to my class today, so after work I really wanted to work on this tree but
was a bit lacking confidence on bending the straight 5/8" branch...
Prep the branch well and started slowly to my surprize not a crack nor creek lol...
It looks better in person these pictures not feeling it...

 

[fraser67]

Impressive! Nicely done. Great photos. Thanks for posting.

 

[Poink88]

Good job! Very nice bend.

For these purposes, I do not use premium electrical tape like 3M rather the ones in dollar store or Harbor Freight. (what can I say...I am cheap lol )

 

[sikadelic]

I see you wrapped with a base layer and then a second. What are you using? I havent tried my first drastic bend yet but want to store the info for later.

Dario, does the electrical tape give you hell coming off? I assume you wrap it sticky side out but wouldn't that be a pain to remove?

 

[Poink88]

Dario, does the electrical tape give you hell coming off? I assume you wrap it sticky side out but wouldn't that be a pain to remove?

I've done it both ways...w/ raffia then just apply tape as-is. W/o raffia, I did the first layer tape side out then another layer tape side in.

FYI, I tried using cardboard for base (or 1st layer), bad idea. The cardboard fused w/ the bark (of boxwood) and almost impossible to remove w/o damaging the bark!

 

[Ris]

I see you wrapped with a base layer and then a second. What are you using? I havent tried my first drastic bend yet but want to store the info for later.

Dario, does the electrical tape give you hell coming off? I assume you wrap it sticky side out but wouldn't that be a pain to remove?

I used raffia then electrical rubber insulation tape and last 3M tape.
with a hard bend like this if not done with caution you'll sure snap it.

 

[sikadelic]

I assume using cheaper tape would be a benefit so some of the stickiness fades over time. I have plenty of off brand electrical tape that I will give a go when the time is right.

 

[bonsaibp]

Nice job. I love these small-medimum sized CA's

 

[Ris]

Nice job. I love these small-medimum sized CA's

I also love the medium sized but the problem is finding with good movement, this actually
came from another tree which I had cut off/split away because it moved to far away from the base.
I have the tree it came from will post a pic later. ..

 

[bonsaibp]

You're right it is hard to find smaller ones with good movement and character but when you do they can be awesome.

 

[october]

I assume using cheaper tape would be a benefit so some of the stickiness fades over time. I have plenty of off brand electrical tape that I will give a go when the time is right.

If you buy the correct tape, self adhering, stickiness is not an issue. The tape only sticks to itelf and nothing else.

Rob

 

[sikadelic]

If you buy the correct tape, self adhering, stickiness is not an issue. The tape only sticks to itelf and nothing else.

Rob

Like self amalgamating tape? I heard that worked ok too but haveqnt found any yet. I checked lowes thinking they would have some but they didnt. No rush as I am not planning on doing it for a while. I'll keep checking around.

 

[berobinson82]

Like self amalgamating tape? I heard that worked ok too but haveqnt found any yet. I checked lowes thinking they would have some but they didnt. No rush as I am not planning on doing it for a while. I'll keep checking around.

This stuff seems to work well:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-2155-Rubbe...675286&sr=8-2&keywords=self+amalgamating+tape

edit:

Sick bend!

 

[Ris]

Parent tree

Here is the parent tree I split this one of...

 

[october]

This stuff seems to work well:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-2155-Rubbe...675286&sr=8-2&keywords=self+amalgamating+tape

edit:

Sick bend!

Yes, I think that is the exact tape I use.

Rob

 

[bonsaibp]

I don't get the tape. To me it's kind of ugly and plastic looking, at least with raffia it looks natural. I've done some crazy bends and have never used or needed anything other then raffia to wrap a trunk or branch. I guess the one benefit is it might be quicker to apply.

 

[october]

I don't get the tape. To me it's kind of ugly and plastic looking, at least with raffia it looks natural. I've done some crazy bends and have never used or needed anything other then raffia to wrap a trunk or branch. I guess the one benefit is it might be quicker to apply.

I use the tape mostly to protect branches. For example, on shohin trees, if there is a branch that might need some protection while bending. Instead of going through the hassle of raffia for a small branch or area, I will just wrap it in the tape. I would like to mention that, in my opinion, if you are doing major trunk bending, you probably should always use the raffia. Then, if you want extra protection, use the tape second.

Rob

 

[Ris]

I posted what I think seams to be a decently styled tree but seeing more interest on electrical tape? I took a class with Mauro Stemberger this is how and what he uses to make really good bends protecting the bark. Not upset just pointing out the of topic.

 

[bonsaibp]

Ris sorry didn't mean to take away from your post, it is more than decently styled, I just don't get the tape.

 

[sikadelic]

I posted what I think seams to be a decently styled tree but seeing more interest on electrical tape? I took a class with Mauro Stemberger this is how and what he uses to make really good bends protecting the bark. Not upset just pointing out the of topic.

Sorry about that. I asked about your bending technique and we all got sidetracked about the tape. I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

Your tree looks great!