We have started looking at Kutem bonsai carving tools for die grinders.  I've abused one of the cutters with a tungsten bit on several olives with hard old dry wood, and still the bit is sharp.  Several cutters are available and work very well.  They also don't tend to kick back like normal router bits.  The bits are a bit expensive, but taking in consideration that I make two router bits blunt on a tree with a lot of carving, and sharpening costing anything from R50 up per bit its worth the money.

Go and look at Graham Potter at www.kaizenbonsai.com and his ideas with not only carving but also with design.  His ideas will give a lot of bonsai purists a heart attack but the end results are very pleasing, even though it breaks every rule in the book.

Have a look at the effort he puts into the deadwood and finishing it.  Everybody does not have these tools but some of the clubs stock the basic tools and its worth taking time to learn to carve deadwood.

Deadwood carving is something that takes time to master, so don't start carving your favorite tree before you haven't attacked a few dead stumps.  Ask experienced bonsai members to assist you.

There are from time to time workshops at members houses, so give us a call if you want to attend these workshops.

NEW MAGAZINE

The December/January edition of the magazine is available www.bonsaisouthafrica.co.za.  You will need to register to receive the magazine on a monthly basis but its a really nice magazine for South African bonsai growers written by South Africans.  And if you have something to contribute contact Caroll on the e-mail address on the web site.  Its a private initiative and they need all the support they can from SA clubs.

The magazine is now also available in printed format.