If I wanted more immediate result with younger looking tree...

Interesting ideas Kristof.....I like them. I like the outside the norm thinking. Thank you.

Out side the norm?
I think those diagrams are what most people saw in your tree when they first looked at it hence my post a bit earlier saying the same thing lol

When I made the comment "outside the norm" I should have elaborated I guess. I google Japanese maple bonsai and the overwhelming majority of the pics I see are formal upright.
Rob, Id like to thank you also for your advice.

Its alright pal i may have had a few beers on board when i wrote that soz. :blush:
I dont mean to be an idiot. :silly:

Not at all. I went back and read your advice again. I see what you were saying now. Kristofs sketches were more detailed so they caught my eye first.