Double Witch Broom, also known as Witch's Broom, is a genetic mutation that affects various woody plants and trees. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of multiple shoots from a single point, resembling a broom-like formation. This condition can occur in both wild and cultivated species, and is often caused by the presence of a pathogen or genetic alteration. The double witch broom formation is visually striking and can vary in size and shape depending on the affected plant species. The abnormal growth often results in a dense cluster of small, twisted branches emerging from a single point, giving it an uncanny resemblance to a broom or brush. This distinct appearance has captivated gardeners, botanists, and photographers for centuries, making it a sought-after feature in certain horticultural practices.
The tapping bits need to be carefully rotated into the BB shell’s threads.
The combined leverage of the longer handle and the high torque setting will be enough to break all but the most stubborn bottom brackets free of their shell. The combined leverage of the longer handle and the high torque setting will be enough to break all but the most stubborn bottom brackets free of their shell.
This distinct appearance has captivated gardeners, botanists, and photographers for centuries, making it a sought-after feature in certain horticultural practices. There are a few different causes of double witch broom. Some cases are caused by pathogens such as fungi, viruses, or bacteria.
Square Taper Bottom Bracket: The Ultimate Guide
To get a complete picture, let’s firstly look at what preceded the square taper—the cottered bottom bracket.
Cottered Bottom Bracket
The square taper bottom bracket substituted using a cotter pin to secure the crank to the spindle with bolts into the spindle.
At First Components we still produce a lot of cottered bottom bracket spindles as they are still the go-to solution for many bikes. They are still a cheap and efficient crank/drivetrain solution.
But if you’ve used a cottered crank setup there’s the hassle of keeping the cotter pin nut tight.
Well, it’s not too much trouble to tote the appropriate wrench in your kit on a ride so you can tighten the nut on the road if you find it’s worked loose.
But if your cottered crank setup becomes unusable in one way or another, then upgrading to a square taper bottom bracket will be the go.
Of course, one of the greatest incentives to move to a square taper design is that it will come in the form of a cartridge with sealed bearings.
No more regular overhaul, cleaning and regreasing . . . yes to that!
Bottom Bracket Spindle
The bottom bracket spindle—it is a spindle and not an axle since it “spins” on the bearings—left and right side has a simple box-shaped or square end.
This end is slightly tapered into a wedge shape, narrow at the end increasing in width. The crank is pushed onto the wedge once the bolts that fit into either end of the spindle apply enough pressure as you crank them to the appropriate torque.
for more information on these. The post gives you all you need to know about square taper bottom brackets including how to remove and install them in great detail.
The taper is at an angle of 2° to the spindle’s centerline.
Such a design is deceptively simple, though, since the “square” end is actually an irregular octagon.
Or in other words a square with beveled edges.
The simplest form of the square taper is in this cotterless spindle.
The simplest bearing setup allowing the spindle to rotate inside the bottom bracket shell:
JIS Standard
While nearly all square taper spindles have the 2° angle, there are two standards for measuring the spindle’s flat edges. One is the JIS or Japanese Industry Standard. The other is the ISO or International Organization for Standardization.
Shimano and most other Asian manufacturers employ the JIS standard. Campagnolo and other European manufacturers use ISO.
JIS square taper bottom brackets are easily distinguished due to their black color and standard numbering system.
It’s not a good idea to mix the standards ie. a JIS crank on an ISO spindle or the other way round . There will be around a 4.5mm difference, for example—the JIS crank will end up moving 4.5mm further towards the bb shell than if it were fitted to a JIS spindle.
Combining the components from these opposing standards is possible, though, if you address the technical issue of the chainline.
The critical thing is your spindle length: as long as you can set up the correct chainline you will be good to go. But, again, best never to mix standards if you can at all avoid it.
If you are looking to replace a cottered crank setup with a square taper setup, then look no further than a cartridge bottom bracket.
These pathogens invade the plant and disrupt normal growth patterns, causing the abnormal branching. Other cases may be caused by genetic mutations that alter the plant's development, leading to the formation of the broom-like structure. Additionally, certain environmental factors such as radiation or trauma can also contribute to the development of double witch broom. Despite its striking appearance, double witch broom can have negative effects on the affected plant. The dense cluster of branches can hinder the plant's ability to photosynthesize, reducing its overall growth and vigor. Additionally, the abnormal growth may make the plant more susceptible to further infections or diseases. In some cases, the affected plant may even become weakened and die. However, in certain instances, double witch broom can be utilized for ornamental purposes. Some gardeners and horticulturists deliberately propagate plants with this genetic mutation to create unique and visually appealing features in their landscapes. This has led to the cultivation and selection of certain plants with double witch broom, such as dwarf conifers or shrubs. In conclusion, double witch broom is a fascinating genetic mutation that affects various woody plants and trees. Its distinct broom-like formation is caused by pathogens, genetic alterations, or environmental factors. While it can have negative effects on the affected plant, it is also sought after for its unique and striking appearance in certain horticultural practices..
Reviews for "Double Witch Boom: Exploring the Different Types of Twin Spellcasters"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I didn't really enjoy "Double Witch Btoom". The story felt disjointed and confusing. It jumped between different plot lines without giving them proper development, and I found it hard to keep track of what was happening. The characters also lacked depth and were one-dimensional. Overall, it was a disappointing read for me.
2. John - 1/5 stars - "Double Witch Btoom" was simply not my cup of tea. The writing style was not engaging and the pacing was too slow. The author tried to incorporate multiple genres into the story, but it felt forced and unnatural. Additionally, I found the plot to be predictable and unoriginal. I was left wanting more substance and depth from both the story and the characters.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I couldn't get into "Double Witch Btoom". The concept sounded interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The dialogue felt stilted and the characters lacked authenticity. The romantic subplot felt forced and didn't add anything meaningful to the story. Overall, it was a mediocre read that didn't live up to my expectations.
4. Michael - 3/5 stars - While "Double Witch Btoom" had its moments, I ultimately found it to be underwhelming. The story had potential, but I felt that it lacked focus and direction. The supernatural elements were interesting, but they weren't explored fully. The pacing was also an issue, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, it was an average read that didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
5. Elizabeth - 2/5 stars - "Double Witch Btoom" was not what I expected. The plot felt convoluted and messy, making it difficult to follow along. The characters also lacked depth and were forgettable. I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story, and it was a struggle to finish it. Overall, it was a disappointing read that didn't live up to its potential.