North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Chris Garriss <cgarriss@garriss.net>]

I've grafted both ways - using a knife requires more skill, and is for me
slower than a tool.  Using a tool is faster - again for me - but scion /
stock sizes are more problematic.  The tools really only handle a range of
sizes that are not too small or too large.

When Lee Calhoun was running his custom grafting operation he used a
commercial tool that handled a wider range of sizes than the tools
reasonable to purchase for an individual or small group of people.  A
hundred USD vs several hundred USD.

The tool is, in my experience, far simpler for neophytes.  And, there is
really no difference in how the graft is handled tool vs knife once done.
 From observation the "takes" from the tool are about the same as with a
knife - except that I've seen some people never master using a knife but had
reasonable success rates with the tool.

Chris

On Sat, Apr 9, 2011 at 3:57 PM, sherwin dubren <sherwindu@att.net> wrote:

> There has been some discussion of late among members of Midfex as
> to the relative merits of using a grafting tool in place of a knife.
>
> I tried to search Nafex by googling and also did some spot checking
> on the archives for mention of the use of this tool, but could find
> nothing.  Either I missed it, or Nafex people are just not interested
> in these tools.
>
> Midfex teaches grafting with a knife and we occasionally get some
> injuries with the beginners.  Some members are pushing for these tools
> as an alternative.  I have never used one, but hear they have
> limitations, especially on smaller size wood.  I have also seen
> discussion sites where people say they don't work.  I have heard that
> commercial orchards and some mail order nurseries use them, but is this
> a tool that would work well for the backyard orchardist?
>
>               Sherwin Dubren
>               Morton Grove, IL
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