Nybonsai12
Masterpiece
When are you using raffia? How big are the branches? How big are the bends? Tell me what you know. Pics encouraged.
Raffia? When are you using it?
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PaulH
Omono
I usually wrap branches that are approximately 3/8 - 1/2 inch and larger with raffia. Depending, of course on the type and severity of the bend.
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
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I'll use raffia when I've got a severe/significant bend to make...and I can't afford to lose the branch. So, usually, this is a larger diameter branch that needs to be bent significantly and is absolutely essential to the final design.
A Random User
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Also, one needs to take into account what type of plant it is...
alot of material there is no need for it...
Having said this... sometimes I do use raffia on plants that
don't need it, to help prevent wire scarring. Especially on very
old material, where you would not want to have to wait years
for it grow it out.
alot of material there is no need for it...
Having said this... sometimes I do use raffia on plants that
don't need it, to help prevent wire scarring. Especially on very
old material, where you would not want to have to wait years
for it grow it out.
october
Masterpiece
Many people, including myself,have been using the self adhesive black tape. It is not sticky and only adheres to itself. Some people use both raffia and tape. I like the tape because it is easier to use. I cannot say for certain, if the tape works as well for very bending. I do know the raffia is a breathable material. However, I have seen no problems using the tape is regards to breathability.
Also as sawgrass mentioned.. I use the black tape to prevent wiring scaring. It is fast and works very well in that capacity.
Rob
Also as sawgrass mentioned.. I use the black tape to prevent wiring scaring. It is fast and works very well in that capacity.
Rob
Jason_mazzy
Chumono
Link to this Type of tape?
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
Unlike the (electrical) tape, raffia is not elastic so it provide better protection when doing drastic bends. Some use both.
I use electrical tape to protect from scarring if needed when wiring also and when securing padding for other bends.
I use electrical tape to protect from scarring if needed when wiring also and when securing padding for other bends.
Beng
Omono
You can double the self adhesive tape over on itself and it does offer quite a bit of protection. Nothing beats Raffia that i know of for keeping a large branch from breaking during a big bend.
surprised to find this
Ive been using the tape in the ebay link. Had a stash, but is running low,
some of the old timers may remember this stuff being sold back in the goodle days
check out...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Masters-BONSAI-ROOT-OVER-ROCK-Mystic-Magic-Miracle-Tape-/290877968638
Ive been using the tape in the ebay link. Had a stash, but is running low,
some of the old timers may remember this stuff being sold back in the goodle days
check out...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Masters-BONSAI-ROOT-OVER-ROCK-Mystic-Magic-Miracle-Tape-/290877968638
KennedyMarx
Omono
I haven't used black electrical tape for trees, but when I've used it for other purposes and if it gets hot there is a sticky residue that makes it a pain in the ass to remove. Do you wind the tape backwards on the tree?
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MinnesotaKirk
Yamadori
On this page, Peter Tea describes a "plastic rope" they use at his nursery in Japan. They use it instead of raffia and he says it is just something they pick up at the local hardware store.
http://peterteabonsai.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/just-plastic-rope/
http://peterteabonsai.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/just-plastic-rope/
What I use, and what Rob is most likely using, is not black electrical tape at all...its rubber, much thicker than et, and only sticks to itself. It removes well even a year or more later. I buy it at Lowes.
John
october
Masterpiece
As John said. It is a kind of rubber tape. Bonsai nurseries sell it. However, it might be cheaper at home improvement stores.
Rob
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october
Masterpiece
I have never had a problem removing the tape. No sticky residue at all. I think you might be using a different tape. The one I use is sold at the bonsai nursery. It is very dry and only adheres to itself, not the tree.
Rob
PaulH
Omono
I've used the self adhesive rubber tape to make root over rock trees and it works great for that. But it stretches and that makes it not a good substitute for raffia. The benefit of raffia is that it doesn't stretch so it creates compression on the branch as you bend holding it together so it doesn't break. It tightens even more as it dries.
