Attaching manzanita branches

Jeff B · 10-15-2011, 05:57 PM

What would be the best method(s) for attaching mazanita branches to each other? I have lots of branches and want to make a larger branchier piece.

the planter · 10-15-2011, 06:00 PM

try zip ties.

**plantbrain** · 10-15-2011, 06:22 PM

Pre drill and screws.

Another way is dowels and then use epoxy glue.

Jeff B · 10-16-2011, 05:28 PM

Thanks,

What type of screws should be safe?

What type of epoxy? Gorilla glue?

**bigstick120** · 10-16-2011, 05:31 PM

Zip ties is the easiest and very effective. HD has brown ones that blend in very well.

**plantbrain** · 10-16-2011, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff B

Thanks,

What type of screws should be safe?

What type of epoxy? Gorilla glue?

Any some use stainless, but I've never had an issue is some 25 years.
Epoxy......eg 2 part 5 minute stuff.

This is used for dowels.

Zip ties unless really done very well often loosen up over time IME. We tried using them a few times in the behemoth, they are not nearly as strong. for smaller branches etc, then they are the only decent option, but not for larger pieces.

A small piece of rubber that will help press against the zip ties will also help in some cases as long as it can be hidden. This acts to give added pressure and flex.

jcgd · 10-16-2011, 07:37 PM

I've heard that if the two pieces mate pretty well you can use gorilla glue and clamp them till they are dry.

I'm planning on trying this method to make my branches all one piece. If you take your time you can find pieces that seem like they were broken from each other.

Jeff B · 10-16-2011, 07:41 PM

I don’t know if I have the dexterity to do the epoxy myself or if the person who would help me instead would have the patience.

I could look into screws if I can find ones that would fit/work

Lots of branches are smaller. Can you please explain more how to use small piece of rubber that will help press against them if I end up having to use zip ties? I will look for brown ones if I have to go that route.

What about lashing them together with natural coloured fishing line? Or does this also loosen up over time?

I guess that moss over artificial joints is the best disguise?

**audioaficionado** · 10-16-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff B

Thanks,

What type of screws should be safe?

What type of epoxy? Gorilla glue?

I predrilled and used stainless screws and then cut off any part of the screw that protruded past the other side so my fish wouldn't accidentally hurt themselves bumping into it.

Epoxy is OK but you would need a SS pin or screw as reinforcement because simple surface to surface adhesion might not hold over time on wet weathered manzanita pieces. I wouldn't consider Gorilla glue.

**plantbrain** · 10-16-2011, 09:48 PM

The rubber is just some buffer to allow you to get the zip ties taught.
It'll flex and allow you to really clmap the zip ties down better ans the rubber can be hidden out of view, since you have to hide the zip ties also.

This is why I like screws, no need to go all SS, the typical screws last a no# of years, I've had strong pressure on some pieces for 5 years without much issue.

A drill, and no glue mess or wobble.
Got wobble?
Add another hole and an another screw.

This does not work well for smaller pieces however, then the zip ties are good alternative, anything that can handle a few screws and has enpough wood diameter and strength is nice to screw since the holes are VERY easy to hide.

I am more like a carpenter than a scaper when I work with wood.

**audioaficionado** · 10-16-2011, 10:21 PM

Plain steel screws would slowly rust without harm. Just make sure they weren't plated with zinc or toxic cadmium though. Brass or bronze could slowly release copper if that's a concern. SS screws are not too expensive to use either. The main problem, if any, is they are shiny and might need to be camouflaged. Mine get covered with plants and Nerite eggs LOL.

Jeff B · 10-18-2011, 12:18 AM

Thanks guys, I will do some experimenting.

jimmyjam · 10-18-2011, 04:06 AM

umm interesting

Jeff B · 10-19-2011, 05:15 PM

After trying various methods I am going to be drilling and using screws. It looks to be the quickest and best method for attaching branches at whatever angle I want instead of just how they will tie or glue together best. I just have to figure out the right size of screws to use.

jcgd · 10-19-2011, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audioaficionado

I wouldn't consider Gorilla glue.

How come? Is it toxic?

I only ask because I was hoping to use it. If it is non toxic than you should have a good, strong joint if you mate the pieces well.

10-15-2011, 05:57 PM	#1
Jeff B Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 63	Attaching manzanita branches What would be the best method(s) for attaching mazanita branches to each other? I have lots of branches and want to make a larger branchier piece.

10-15-2011, 06:00 PM	#2
the planter Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: az Posts: 214	try zip ties. __________________ FISH.. its a lifestyle not an addiction. Breeding guppies since '05

10-15-2011, 06:22 PM	#3
plantbrain Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (231/100%) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The swamp Posts: 11,986	Pre drill and screws. Another way is dowels and then use epoxy glue. __________________ Regards, Tom Barr

10-16-2011, 05:28 PM	#4
Jeff B Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 63	Thanks, What type of screws should be safe? What type of epoxy? Gorilla glue? __________________ Jeff B's 65 gal low tech first planted tank journal

10-16-2011, 05:31 PM	#5
bigstick120 Algae Eater (View User Tanks) PTrader: (231/100%) Join Date: May 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,122	Zip ties is the easiest and very effective. HD has brown ones that blend in very well. __________________ 55 gallon\| 29 Gallon\|ADA Cube\|58 Gallon My Photography site

10-16-2011, 07:37 PM	#7
jcgd Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,983	I've heard that if the two pieces mate pretty well you can use gorilla glue and clamp them till they are dry. I'm planning on trying this method to make my branches all one piece. If you take your time you can find pieces that seem like they were broken from each other. __________________ Follow your Impulse, click here.

10-16-2011, 07:41 PM	#8
Jeff B Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 63	I don’t know if I have the dexterity to do the epoxy myself or if the person who would help me instead would have the patience. I could look into screws if I can find ones that would fit/work Lots of branches are smaller. Can you please explain more how to use small piece of rubber that will help press against them if I end up having to use zip ties? I will look for brown ones if I have to go that route. What about lashing them together with natural coloured fishing line? Or does this also loosen up over time? I guess that moss over artificial joints is the best disguise? __________________ Jeff B's 65 gal low tech first planted tank journal

10-16-2011, 09:48 PM	#10
plantbrain Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (231/100%) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The swamp Posts: 11,986	The rubber is just some buffer to allow you to get the zip ties taught. It'll flex and allow you to really clmap the zip ties down better ans the rubber can be hidden out of view, since you have to hide the zip ties also. This is why I like screws, no need to go all SS, the typical screws last a no# of years, I've had strong pressure on some pieces for 5 years without much issue. A drill, and no glue mess or wobble. Got wobble? Add another hole and an another screw. This does not work well for smaller pieces however, then the zip ties are good alternative, anything that can handle a few screws and has enpough wood diameter and strength is nice to screw since the holes are VERY easy to hide. I am more like a carpenter than a scaper when I work with wood. __________________ Regards, Tom Barr

10-16-2011, 10:21 PM	#11
audioaficionado Planted Tank Overclocker (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Medford, Orygun Posts: 2,177	Plain steel screws would slowly rust without harm. Just make sure they weren't plated with zinc or toxic cadmium though. Brass or bronze could slowly release copper if that's a concern. SS screws are not too expensive to use either. The main problem, if any, is they are shiny and might need to be camouflaged. Mine get covered with plants and Nerite eggs LOL. __________________ Steve 45 gal tall high-tech : 2-23-12 update Complete CO2 Leak Test : How to build a CO2 regulator Never argue with a fool. Onlookers often can't tell the difference. Growing older is mandatory, growing up is optional. My advice is free and worth every penny.

10-18-2011, 12:18 AM	#12
Jeff B Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 63	Thanks guys, I will do some experimenting. __________________ Jeff B's 65 gal low tech first planted tank journal

10-18-2011, 04:06 AM	#13
jimmyjam Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: canada Posts: 15	umm interesting __________________ Clinic Director/Chiropractor www.formfunctionclinic.com

10-19-2011, 05:15 PM	#14
Jeff B Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 63	After trying various methods I am going to be drilling and using screws. It looks to be the quickest and best method for attaching branches at whatever angle I want instead of just how they will tie or glue together best. I just have to figure out the right size of screws to use. __________________ Jeff B's 65 gal low tech first planted tank journal

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