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bonsaikc · 12-19-2007, 01:18 PM

"Wiring is simple; However, it is not easy to do it right"--Boon Manakitivipart.

Wiring is a simple thing, yet it tends to be a source of controversy over and over again. One American view is, "if it holds, it doesn't matter how it looks." Utility is only one aspect of proper bonsai wiring. Another is beauty.

Why would wiring a tree beautifully be important? If a tree is not being shown with wire, or at all, who cares if the wire doesn't look good?

Beautiful wiring is important for several reasons. The first is, that working to make your wiring beautiful requires you to focus on technique. This will serve to train your mind to think along those lines, which will enhance your thinking about branch placement, trunk line, nebari, pot choice, etc. It is a discipline which will improve every aspect of your bonsai.

Another reason beautiful wiring is worth pursuing is that beautiful wiring is more frugal. Now I know from my own experience, that learning to wire beautifully is expensive in that wire must be cut off and replaced if not done up to "code." But in the long run, wiring beautifully will use the minimum amount of wire to get the job done, which will save material, time, and money in the long run. For example, look at this type of wiring:

This method of wiring is being taught here and there, in which every wire is buried in the soil and follows the first until it reaches the branch it is to shape, where it splits off in that direction. The result is trunks completely covered by wire.

There are things to commend in this particular wiring job. Each wire follows its mate very well, and the coils are well placed, for the most part. The problem is that most of the excess wire is doing nothing except obstructing the trunk or branches. This can cause a problem when the wire begins to cut in, as then the question arises, "how hard will it be to cut just the wires cutting in as opposed to removing everything?"

In my estimation, this tree has perhaps 200% too much wire. In other words, the job could have been done with about one quarter the wire used.

There is more to say on this subject. For more information, check my article on wiring at http://www.bonsaikc.com/wiring2.htm

12-19-2007, 01:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
bonsaikc What're YOU lookin' at? Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ottawa, KS Posts: 155	Wiring technique "Wiring is simple; However, it is not easy to do it right"--Boon Manakitivipart. Wiring is a simple thing, yet it tends to be a source of controversy over and over again. One American view is, "if it holds, it doesn't matter how it looks." Utility is only one aspect of proper bonsai wiring. Another is beauty. Why would wiring a tree beautifully be important? If a tree is not being shown with wire, or at all, who cares if the wire doesn't look good? Beautiful wiring is important for several reasons. The first is, that working to make your wiring beautiful requires you to focus on technique. This will serve to train your mind to think along those lines, which will enhance your thinking about branch placement, trunk line, nebari, pot choice, etc. It is a discipline which will improve every aspect of your bonsai. Another reason beautiful wiring is worth pursuing is that beautiful wiring is more frugal. Now I know from my own experience, that learning to wire beautifully is expensive in that wire must be cut off and replaced if not done up to "code." But in the long run, wiring beautifully will use the minimum amount of wire to get the job done, which will save material, time, and money in the long run. For example, look at this type of wiring: This method of wiring is being taught here and there, in which every wire is buried in the soil and follows the first until it reaches the branch it is to shape, where it splits off in that direction. The result is trunks completely covered by wire. There are things to commend in this particular wiring job. Each wire follows its mate very well, and the coils are well placed, for the most part. The problem is that most of the excess wire is doing nothing except obstructing the trunk or branches. This can cause a problem when the wire begins to cut in, as then the question arises, "how hard will it be to cut just the wires cutting in as opposed to removing everything?" In my estimation, this tree has perhaps 200% too much wire. In other words, the job could have been done with about one quarter the wire used. There is more to say on this subject. For more information, check my article on wiring at http://www.bonsaikc.com/wiring2.htm __________________ I am the 545th best crossword puzzle solver in the world! Sashi-no-eda Bonsai Blog Last edited by bonsaikc; 12-19-2007 at 01:23 PM..