Just make a "happy little
Everyone should learn to graft (esp newbs)
- Thread starter IAK
- Start date
grasshopper
Well-known member
Not much supply you really need. Pairs of gloves, sharp kitchen knife or utility knife/box cutter, rubber band and tape to wrap it up.
Franfig
Well-known member
I am planning to make a lot of grafts this coming spring. Last year I did about 5 and a few took some died. I only did cleft graft this past spring but I am planning to do mostly chip bud grafts this coming spring. I have been watching a lot of JSacadura’s videos lately. I decided to start practising my grafts today to get some experience before is time to graft and let me tell you is not even close of what I have envisioned. JSacadura is a master at this trade, and he makes it look very easy.
What I learned from this practice session
1) gloves are a must no question, the knife I used was brand new and super sharp. On the second bud I tried the knife slipped and I would have cut my thumb but the gloves saved me from going to the ER.
2 my plan may have to change I am planning to graft in one year old wips that are larger diameter than my is I on wood. the cut on the rootstock side is much larger then the chip bud and only one side makes contact with the cambium. You can see it on the picture.
3 because of lack of experience is a very slow process for me and it will take a lot longer then expected to make all the grafts I am planning to make.
What I learned from this practice session
1) gloves are a must no question, the knife I used was brand new and super sharp. On the second bud I tried the knife slipped and I would have cut my thumb but the gloves saved me from going to the ER.
2 my plan may have to change I am planning to graft in one year old wips that are larger diameter than my is I on wood. the cut on the rootstock side is much larger then the chip bud and only one side makes contact with the cambium. You can see it on the picture.
3 because of lack of experience is a very slow process for me and it will take a lot longer then expected to make all the grafts I am planning to make.
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Jigfig
Well-known member
There is still a good chance of the graft taking since there is contact on one side right?
Franfig
Well-known member
I don't know, I am going to discuss my findings with one of my friends who is a pro at grafting to see what his take on this is.
DELFIG
Well-known member
Yes
superdave336
Well-known member
I’ve found that I like to use several knifes for different things but all could be done with one. A box cutter like mentioned is pretty good and sharp and almost everyone already has one. Just make sure to clean the blade with alcohol before and after use.
ohiobruce
Well-known member
I ground down the blades on a Swiss army knife to have a single bevel. I preferred the Swiss army knife/ Felco grafting knife because of its thinner blade.
I have used a box cutter before, but it didn't feel as controllable for me. Also a longer blade was easier to do slow, rocking cuts. I currently use the Felco 3.90 20 knife. I like the single bevel, sharpens quickly, and the bark lifter. Btw I read some reviews where people were using the integrated bark lifter with knife in the open position and the blade folded back on their fingers. Easily avoided by using bark lifter while knife is in the closed position. If I ever upgrade it will be to one with a locking blade or a fixed blade.
grasshopper
Well-known member
Good point about the blades without locking mechanism. The blade can be caught by the wood or fold back to your fingers if not careful. Wearing gloves help. Fixed blades or folding blades with a lock would fix the problem. You can also use a butter knife or anything flat with blunt head for bark lifting.
My utility knife has a locking mechanism and even adjustable angle. I found small knives are better for certain situations and big long knives also have their use so I definitely agree we need more than one knife or one kind of knife.