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Bonsai Clip Maker
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Author:  Rivulus123 [ 07 Jun 2020, 09:38 ]
Post subject:  Bonsai Clip Maker
I saw this little gadget on another site some time ago so today I am going to make this simple Bonsai Clip Making Coaster to hold the plastic mesh in place at the bottom of a bonsai pot. As you can see it will incorporate a 6mm peg hole for a standard wooden dowel. The object of the exercise would be to wrap my chosen wire size around the post leaving enough of a leg length. Then flip it over to a length that fits the bonsai pot hole diameter and wrap it around the post once more, snip a similar leg length. Having the flat clip in hand I insert the legs (in turn) into the sized hole at the base of the coaster and press forward to create the bend.
If there is anything I've omitted or can improve upon please comment.
You can always remove the dowel and set your coffee cup on it. :061haha:
Just something to keep me occupied

Image
Bonsai Clip Maker
Author:  daryl [ 07 Jun 2020, 10:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
I don't quite understand how that works ::dunno: Can you show us a picture with the dowel and wire in place for us visual learners :smallthumb:
Author:  keithmart [ 07 Jun 2020, 10:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
Hi
Can you do a short video of it in use?
Author:  Paul B [Swindon] [ 07 Jun 2020, 10:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
I always use butterfly wire holders for the mesh as I find that the wider circle holds the mesh down better.

6mm isn't very big, I just wrap it round my index finger which must be about 22mm so it gives a much better circle. Place wire over the hole and use jin pliers to bend where needed....... Simple

It just takes practice, usually fine after the first 100 or so.......... :132doh: :07hysterical: :07hysterical:

Attachment:
Butterfly wire 2.jpg
Author:  Rivulus123 [ 07 Jun 2020, 10:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
LOL yeah I will post up again after I've made it...Shouldn't take that long (he says)
I know you can just do this by hand I had a few goes and as you say it takes practice.
C
Author:  Graham W [ 07 Jun 2020, 11:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
Paul B, I have gone off that method now
Just use 'U' shaped piece of wire to suit the hole , push thro the mesh and bend over underneath!!!
Lazy way?

Graham
Author:  daryl [ 07 Jun 2020, 13:09 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
Even lazier way is the adhesive plasterer's mesh tape but doesn't work on all pots so I still use mesh and Graham's method when I need to.
Author:  Rivulus123 [ 07 Jun 2020, 14:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
Obviously everyone has their own way of doing things and if it works for them then so be it. I just saw this little novel idea that may help someone out. I had to have a go at making one so don't hate me for it hahahaha
Ok, I made version 1 (It needs a little refinement in so far as the lettering size and milling bit choice (and the font for that matter, but that's all cosmetic). I made this from MDF, scrap I had lying around. (not the best material to use) The next one I will make from Oak as it will mill far better than particleboard.
Size-wise it fits nicely in the hand and it works pretty well. In the image below (Pic #1 bottom left) I made a 20mm clip from very heavy steel wire. Too heavy perhaps for bonsai purposes but I wanted to test this gadget out. Thinner wire will suffice and would be more manageable. Pic #2 Shows the first bend leaving enough leg on the wire to secure on the outside of the pot. Pic #3 Shows how to obtain the size and direction of the second loop. Pic #4 Shows the resulting flat clip. Pic #5 Denotes the clip leg being inserted into the bending aid and is simply pushed with the thumb to bend the leg to a right angle of the clip. repeated on the second leg. Main Pic Illustrates a pictorial view of the finished 20mm clip. Clips can be made on this version from 5mm up to 45mm

Image
Version 1 - Bonsai Clip Maker

Once this job is refined I'm going to make a personalised Bonsai Tote complete with wire dispenser
P.S. Yes I am as mad as a Hatter
C
Author:  bluesky [ 07 Jun 2020, 14:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
I use butterfly method like Paul B. Problem with the U wire is it can pull down the middle of the mesh which pushes up the sides. If your mesh is inside the pot then soil gets under the sides of the mesh, ok not a disaster but it only takes a few seconds to make the butterfly loops and pin down the sides of the mesh.
Author:  bluesky [ 07 Jun 2020, 14:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Bonsai Clip Maker
Rivulus123 wrote:
Image[/url]
Version 1 - Bonsai Clip Maker

Once this job is refined I'm going to make a personalised Bonsai Tote complete with wire dispenser
P.S. Yes I am as mad as a Hatter
C

Looks good! I could do with a decent wire dispenser, and some nice bonsai benches, and a large shed for that matter. So if you're ever in Madrid region !!! I pay with good food and wine :lol:
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