Industrial Aluminum Wire

[The Warm Canuck]

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?

 

[James W.]

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.

 

[The Warm Canuck]

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]

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.

 

[The Warm Canuck]

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.

Hmm never thought of hobby stores. Do they have large sizes?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Hmm never thought of hobby stores. Do they have large sizes?

The hobby store I bought them was specialized in wire sculpting so they had 0.5mm up to 10mm. Coils going from 50cm to 20 meters.
In all colors too.

 

[john blanch]

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.