Industrial Aluminum Wire

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Does anyone have any experience in using aluminum wire that is not specifically designated for Bonsai. For larger wire sizes (5 & 6mm) it costs me around $25 a 1lbs and it sure doesn't go far. I found a supplier that sells industrial wire for $3.50 a 1lbs. It's specified as "1100 O Temper, .187 Dia / 5 Gauge Aluminum wire." I believe that O Temper means that it's easily bendable.



Does anyone have any experience using alternative aluminum wires? Or have an idea what typical Bonsai wires temper rating is?
 
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James W.

Chumono
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I use the shiny industrial wire a lot in all the diameters I can get it. My supplier only has it up to .125" It seems to work as well as the more expensive coated bonsai wire. I do not mind the color as it is easier to see and notice if it needs removing or rewired.
 
Messages
394
Reaction score
196
Location
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
USDA Zone
6
I use the shiny industrial wire a lot in all the diameters I can get it. My supplier only has it up to .125" It seems to work as well as the more expensive coated bonsai wire. I do not mind the color as it is easier to see and notice if it needs removing or rewired.
Thank you sir!
 

Wires_Guy_wires

Imperial Masterpiece
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Hobby stores over here have a super wide range of alu wire gauges and sell the wire at 1/4th the price of bonsai stores.
 

john blanch

Yamadori
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I've used the wire that encases armoured cables, some kind of non rusting silver coloured wire.
My thoughts, if it doesn't harm the trees' and gives good hold and I can get plenty of it, I'll use it.
It may not be as good as anodised aluminium, but it matches a high percentage of it's usefulness. And being free as scrap, I can rewire till I get the effect I'm wanting.
 
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