In a message dated 2/3/2005 11:43:25 PM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

My question is about what to do to
avoid hollowed stems from drying or rot where the chops where made (there
are two chops about 12 inches from base). Is there some special treatment
for the exposed part of the trunk that will preserve the trees shape? I
live in Miami, FL.


Purchase "Minwax Wood Hardener" in a round yellow can and paint with this
until the exposed section will not accept any more.
Billy on the Florida Space Coast

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"Billy M. Rhodes" wrote in
writes:
My question is about what to do to
avoid hollowed stems from drying or rot where the chops where made
(there
are two chops about 12 inches from base). Is there some special
treatment
for the exposed part of the trunk that will preserve the trees shape? I
live in Miami, FL.

Purchase "Minwax Wood Hardener" in a round yellow can and paint with this
until the exposed section will not accept any more.
Billy on the Florida Space Coast

Thanks for such a quick response, Billy. One question though... since the
chop was made yesterday, should I apply the wood hardener now, to the dry
cut, or wait some period of time? Most articles talk about applying the
Minwax product to deadwood. Again, thanks.

Kevin

In a message dated 2/4/2005 9:19:26 AM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

Yes. Some kind of cut sealant is warranted there. The easiest
to use in Elmer's woodworker's glue.

In the case of Bougie's this only promotes rot under the glue/cut paste. The
use of the Minwax or a marine epoxy are the best solutions.

Billy on the Florida Space Coast

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Mike Page++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

In a message dated 2/4/2005 8:43:13 AM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

Billy. One question though... since the
chop was made yesterday, should I apply the wood hardener now, to the dry
cut, or wait some period of time?

I wouldn't wait, they rot in the blink of an eye. I apply multiple coats
over a couple of days/weeks to let the wood adsorb the chemicals.

Billy on the Florida Space Coast

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Mike Page++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

"Billy M. Rhodes" wrote in message
...
In a message dated 2/4/2005 8:43:13 AM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

Billy. One question though... since the
chop was made yesterday, should I apply the wood hardener now, to the
dry
cut, or wait some period of time?

I wouldn't wait, they rot in the blink of an eye. I apply multiple coats
over a couple of days/weeks to let the wood adsorb the chemicals.

Done. I endured heavy traffic, got the Minwax at Home Depot, and applied it
right away, 3 coats one after the other. I'll apply another one or two in
the days ahead.

Everyone's posts have been helpful and encouraging. Thank-you. The trunk
is truly awesome. The base is slighly flared like nice hips then narrows at
the waist, goes on a bit and divides into arms, two nicely opposing trunks
about 4 inches in diameter. It already has great flow and movement. I see
a dancer or the Venus de Milo. I'm photographing everything and will post
to the IBC site after foliage emerges.

Kevin
+++
A path is made by walking. - Chuang Tsu